India’s First Indigenous Hydrogen Train

Why in News?

Recently, the Indian Railways has approved the introduction of a 10-car Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based trainset.

• Route – The country’s first hydrogen-powered train will run between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana.
• Developed by – Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF).
• Hydrogen fuel cell technology – It generates electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen, with water vapour as the only emission.

• Alternative to fossil fuel – Hydrogen fuel cell technology, making it a clean alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based traction systems.
• Decarbonisation of the railways is a significant step towards attaining the net-zero goal by 2070.
• Hydrogen for Heritage – Indian Railways under “Hydrogen for Heritage” envisages deploying 35 hydrogen-powered trains on heritage and hill routes across the country.

Features of India’s hydrogen train system

• Capacity – 10-Car Train with 1200 KW Engine.
• Maximum speed – It will operate at a Maximum Speed of 75 kmph.
• Hydrogen storage – An indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been set up at Jind for the train set.
• License for hydrogen – The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has granted the required licence for storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas at the site.
• Hydrogen compression system – It has been provided for refuelling operations, along with necessary technical support and critical spares to ensure reliable and fail-safe functioning.
• Provision of a standby compressor unit is also being ensured.
• Safety protocols – Necessary safety provisions, regular audits and standard operating procedures are being ensured for the proposed maintenance facility at Shakurbasti.
• Comprehensive safety and operational protocols, including
  • 24x7 monitoring of the hydrogen refuelling system,
  • Deployment of trained and certified personnel for critical operations, and
  • Regular inspection and maintenance schedules.
  • Various safety sensors, including hydrogen leak detectors and flame detectors, are installed at the hydrogen production.
• Operation and maintenance manuals for the hydrogen train-set and hydrogen plant, duly approved by RDSO (Research Designs and Standards Organisation), are also being made available.

Reference

PIB| Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train