Indian Railways has set a target of making itself a ‘net zero carbon emitter’ by the year 2030. For this, the Railways is taking many new steps. This also includes running trains running on hydrogen. The first hydrogen train can start next year i.e. in 2024-25.
The first prototype of hydrogen-fuelled train is set to run on the Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana under the Northern Railway zone by December 2024.
This project is part of the railway’s larger plan, under which it wants to run 35 hydrogen trains on heritage and hilly routes. This project has been named ‘Hydrogen for Heritage’.
Hydrogen trains are beneficial for the environment. They do not cause pollution at all. This will help the railways achieve its goal of making itself a ‘net zero carbon emitter’ by 2030.
For this, the railways is taking many more steps. These include the use of power-saving HOG technology and LED lights in trains, low-power equipment and planting trees. Apart from this, the railways is also installing solar plants at stations and on land.
Railways is spending a lot of money on the hydrogen train project. In this year’s budget, Rs 2800 crore has been kept for 35 hydrogen trains. Also, Rs 600 crore has been given separately for hydrogen-related infrastructure on heritage routes.
Apart from this, the Railways has also started a project to run a diesel-powered DEMU train on hydrogen. A contract of Rs 111.83 crore has been given for this. Under this project, hydrogen fuel cells will be installed in the train. Necessary infrastructure will be created at the ground level.
Overall, the hydrogen train project is an ambitious step for the Indian Railways. This project will not only be beneficial for the environment but will also help India move forward in the field of green transportation.
