India’s First Hydrogen Train Launched in Haryana
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first hydrogen-powered train, developed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) based in Chennai, on Friday.
The hydrogen train will operate along the 89-kilometer route connecting Jind and Sonipat in Haryana, which is part of the Northern Railway’s Delhi Division.
The Ministry of Railways has designated the Jind-Sonipat section as the pilot route for this innovative transport solution. Additionally, an indigenous hydrogen storage and refueling facility has been established in Jind. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has issued the necessary license for the storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas at this site.
With this launch, India joins a select group of countries, including Germany, Japan, China, and the United States, that are exploring hydrogen-powered trains for cleaner rail transportation. Switzerland recently introduced a hydrogen train designed for a narrow-gauge railway network.
During its journey between Jind and Sonipat, the hydrogen train will stop at 12 stations: Jind City, Pandu Pindara, Lalit Khera, Bhambeva, Ishapur Kheri, Butana, Khandrai, Gohana, Rabhra, Lath, Mohana Haryana, and Barwasni.
The Jind-Sonipat hydrogen train will operate at a maximum speed of 75 km/h. The trainset consists of 10 cars, including two Driving Power Cars (DPCs) with a capacity of 1,200 kW each, providing a total power output of 2,400 kW, along with eight passenger coaches.
Train number 74010 will depart from Jind at 07:40 hrs and arrive at Sonipat at 09:40 hrs. In the return direction, train number 74009 will leave Sonipat at 10:40 hrs and reach Jind at 13:00 hrs.
