Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Friday flag off India's first hydrogen-powered train between Jind and Sonipat at Jind railway station. With this, India would join a select group of countries that have operational hydrogen-powered trains.
How will this train detect heat and smoke?
The hydrogen-powered train will come up with multi-layer safety systems capable of detecting hydrogen leaks, heat, flames and smoke. Unlike conventional electric trains that draw power from overhead lines, the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trainset generates electricity on board through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with water vapour and heat as its only by-product.
"In a sense, the train once again carries its own source of power, as steam and diesel locomotives once did. But instead of burning traditional fuels, such as coal or diesel, hydrogen generates electricity inside the train using oxygen from the atmosphere, eliminating combustion and dependence on an external power supply," according to an official statement issued on Thursday.
Electricity to be generated through clean-hydrogen technology
As electricity is generated on board through clean-hydrogen technology, the train represents the greenest form of rail propulsion, powering the future of sustainable mobility. "To complement this advanced propulsion system, India has equipped the train with multi-layer safety systems capable of detecting hydrogen leaks, heat, flames and smoke," the statement said.
With an operational speed of 75 kmph and a design speed of 110 kmph, the train is not only safer but also faster on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat section.
Germany was first country to introduce hydrogen trains
Germany was the first country to introduce commercial hydrogen passenger trains, while France, Italy, China, Japan and a few other countries are pursuing pilot projects or limited deployments. However, these trains typically comprise two to four coaches and are intended primarily for regional passenger services.
In contrast, the Indian Railways' trainset has been configured as a 10-coach passenger train with a capacity of around 2,600 passengers, demonstrating the scalability of hydrogen-powered rail transport for high-capacity passenger operations.
List of railway stations to connect
The hydrogen-powered train will initially operate on the Jind-Sonipat section of the Northern Railway, connecting Jind Junction, Gohana Junction and Sonipat, while serving intermediate stations and proposed halts, including Jind City, Pandu Pindara Junction, Lalit Khera Halt, Bhambhewa, Isapur Kheri Halt, Butane Halt, Khandrai Halt, Rabrah Halt, Lath Halt, Mohana, Barwasni Halt and Sonipat New.
The route has been selected to demonstrate the operational viability, safety and reliability of hydrogen-powered passenger train services under regular operating conditions.
The dedicated hydrogen storage, compression and dispensing facility established at Jind will support refuelling operations, creating India's first integrated hydrogen railway ecosystem, the statement said.
Know all about automatic shut-off system
If anything unusual is detected, it can automatically cut off the hydrogen supply on its own, without waiting for a person to react. The Loco pilot's cabin has been specifically designed to keep the person safe, with a special mode that allows the train to be moved to safety in an emergency and a screen that shows the loco pilot the real health of the whole system at all times.
Also Read:
India's first hydrogen train set for July 17 launch with multi-layer safety systems | IN PICS