Green Hydrogen Takes the Railways by Storm: India’s ₹80
Crore Trains Usher in a Cleaner Future Indian Railways hydrogen train project.png)
1. What Exactly Is Green Hydrogen?
At its core, green hydrogen is the cleanest form of
hydrogen fuel. It's produced when renewable energy (like solar or wind) powers
electrolysis—that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen—with zero emissions.
When used in train engines, it emits only water vapor and heat—no carbon
dioxide, smog, or particulate matter.
2. The “Hydrogen for Heritage” Initiative: A Vision Takes Shape
India’s ambitious “Hydrogen for Heritage” project plans to introduce 35 green hydrogen-powered trains on eight picturesque heritage and hill routes like Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and Nigiri Mountain Railway.
Each train set, with six coaches, is projected to cost ₹80 crore.
Ground-level refueling and storage infrastructure will add another ₹70
crore per route.
A budgetary allocation of ₹2,800 crore supports the
train sets, with an additional ₹600 crore earmarked for
infrastructure—taking total project outlay to around ₹3,400 crore.
3. A Smarter Train, Creature of Innovation
India isn’t just importing existing tech—it’s pushing the
envelope:
- The first
hydrogen-powered coach was successfully tested at Chennai’s Integral
Coach Factory (ICF), led by Railways Minister Ashwini Vishnaw, calling it
“a landmark step” toward future-ready railways.
- India’s
engine—boasting a whopping 1,200 horsepower—is now the most
powerful hydrogen train engine in the world, far surpassing the
typical 500–600 HP engines elsewhere.
4. Trial Runs: Fuel Cells Powered by Renewable Energy
The pilot project is underway on the Jind–Sonipat
route in Haryana:
- A DEMU
(Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit) is being retrofitted with hydrogen fuel
cells at a cost of ₹111.83 crore (including infrastructure).
- The
hydrogen will be generated by a 1 MW electrolyser in Jind,
producing approximately 420–430 kg of green hydrogen per day. Fuel
storage of 3,000 kg, compressors, and dispensers will support daily
operations.
- The
trial run commenced in December 2024, with safety vetting by
Germany’s TUV-SUD.
5. Why Green Hydrogen Trains Matter
|
Benefit |
Description |
|
Zero Emissions |
Only water vapor – no greenhouse gases or pollutants! |
|
No Overhead Wires Needed |
Ideal for remote, non-electrified heritage routes were
setting up electric lines is tricky and costly. |
|
Powerful Performance |
1,200 HP engine ensures this heritage trains are not just
eco-friendly—they are fast and robust. |
6. The Price Tag — And Why It’s Worth It
- Train
Cost: ₹80 crore per trainset.
- Infrastructure:
₹70 crore per route.
- Pilot
Retrofit: ₹111.83 crore for the initial DEMU conversion.
While these numbers might sound steep—similar to the cost of
a 16-coach Vande Bharat train—supporters argue that price will fall with scale,
and this initiative matches national goals for sustainable, green transport.
7. Challenges Ahead Hydrogen for Heritage initiative
Operational Costs: Green hydrogen currently costs
~₹492/kg in India. Running trains on it may be ~27% more expensive than
diesel alternatives.
Experts caution that direct grid electrification of trains
is simpler and cheaper in many cases—raising valid questions about
cost-effectiveness versus scalability.
8. Bigger Picture: A Mission for Clean Energy
Hydrogen trains support broader national strategies:
- Part
of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023 with
₹19,744 crore funding.
- Funds
major R&D, electrolyzed manufacturing, and green hydrogen production
centers.
Pilot projects like this help reduce fossil fuel imports, cut emissions, and position India as a global leader in green energy solutions. Hydrogen fuel cell trains in India
9. Global Context: India Joins the Green Train League
India becomes the fifth country to trial hydrogen
trains, joining Germany, France, Sweden, and China.
Germany’s Alstom Coradia iLint model provides precedent—but
India’s 1,200 HP engine is now a new benchmark.
10. What Experts and Communities Are Saying
Some voices on Reddit are skeptical:
“Hydrogen fuel cell trains will never be a long-term
solution. They are too expensive, complicated and unnecessary.”
Others remain optimistic, highlighting how aggressive cost
cuts by firms like Hy Genco are making green hydrogen financially competitive
with grey hydrogen.
11. What Lies Ahead?
- Scaling
Infrastructure: More electrolyser plants and refuelling stations.
- Cost
Breakthroughs: Economies of scale, tech improvements, and mass
production could reduce hydrogen costs rapidly.
- Wider
Adoption: If pilots succeed, hydrogen trains could expand beyond
heritage routes to broader parts of Indian Rail.
- Net-Zero
Alignment: This project dovetails with India’s zero-carbon
goals—especially important in climate-sensitive areas.
Conclusion
Green hydrogen trains in India are more than a technology
experiment—they’re a bold step toward cleaner, more sustainable railway
travel. While they come with high initial costs, their benefits—zero
emissions, no need for extensive electrification, and heritage-friendly
deployment—offer a compelling way forward.
With 35 hydrogen-powered trains, each costing ₹80 crore plus associated infrastructure, India is setting the stage for green transit innovation. As cost efficiencies improve and experience grows, these trains could spread across the network, cementing India’s future in green mobility. India’s first hydrogen-powered train
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is green hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is hydrogen fuel produced using renewable energy like solar and
wind through water electrolysis, with zero carbon emissions.
Q2: How many hydrogen trains will India launch?
India plans to roll out 35 hydrogen-powered trains on heritage and hill
routes under the Hydrogen for Heritage project.
Q3: What is the cost of each hydrogen train in India?
Each train set, with six coaches, will cost around ₹80 crore, with
another ₹70 crore per route for refuelling and infrastructure.
Q4: When will India’s first hydrogen train run?
The trial runs started in December 2024 on the Jind–Sonipat route, with
regular operations planned after successful tests.
Q5: What are the benefits of hydrogen trains?
They produce zero emissions, require no overhead wires, are suitable for
remote routes, and emit only water vapor.
Q6: What challenges do hydrogen trains face in India?
The main challenges are high fuel costs, infrastructure setup, and
proving economic viability compared to electrification.
Q7: Which countries already use hydrogen trains?
Countries like Germany, France, China, and Sweden already operate
hydrogen-powered trains.
