India's First Hydrogen Powered Train: Check Photos, Key Features, Route & Other Details

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off India's first hydrogen-powered train from Jind in Haryana on Friday which is an important step towards the adoption of clean and sustainable mobility in the railway sector.

India will now enter into a select group of nations exploring hydrogen for cleaner rail transportation. So far, the technology has been adopted by countries such as Japan, China, the US and Germany.

The train will run between Jind and Sonipat while serving intermediate stations like Pandu Pindara Junction, Lalit Khera Halt, Bhambhewa, Isapur Kheri Halt, Butane Halt, Khandrai Halt, Rabrah Halt, Lath Halt, Mohana, and Barwasni Halt.

Key Details & Technology Behind The Train

According to a government's press release, the train is powered by a 1200 kW hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system and will operate at a maximum speed of 75 kmph with a design speed of 110 kmph. It can carry up to 2600 passengers.

The statement read, "Hydrogen fuel cell technology produces electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen. The primary energy source is a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). This is a fuel cell that generates electricity by reacting hydrogen and oxygen across a proton-conducting Perfluorosulfonic Acid (PFSA) polymer membrane.

The process produces only water vapour and heat as byproducts. Hydrogen is a high-energy fuel, 120 MJ/Kg (megajoules per kilogram) in comparison to diesel, which is 43 MJ/Kg. It is low maintenance with a manageable carbon footprint. This makes hydrogen the cleanest propulsion technology currently available for rail transport. To support this, Indian Railways has established dedicated infrastructure."

The railways has established the country's largest railway hydrogen storage and refuelling facility at Jind which stores nearly 3,000 kg of hydrogen at a time.

As part of safety measures, hydrogen leak detectors have been installed at the production, storage and dispensing facilities and flame detectors have also been installed for continuous monitoring."If anything unusual is detected, like heat, flame or smoke, the system can automatically cut off the hydrogen supply on its own," the press release states.

Locals Happy

The locals in Jind have expressed happiness over the development.

Speaking to IANS, a local says, "We are very happy. A train will run here, it will save time and the public's difficulties will end..."

Another person claimed that there is a "very enthusiastic atmosphere" in the place and it is a matter of great joy. He added, "The Prime Minister is doing good work and will be among us today..."

The third person added that a hydrogen train is running in Jind for the first time and this will be recorded in history. "There is a festive atmosphere, it is a very happy occasion. The fare is also normal," he added.