SYLLABUS

GS-3: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

Context: Indian Railways has approved the introduction of India’s first indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based trainset on the Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway, marking a major step towards green and sustainable rail transportation.

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• The Railway Board has sanctioned the introduction of a 10-car Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based DEMU trainset on the dedicated Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway. 

• The train successfully completed its oscillation trials conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), paving the way for commercial operations. 

• Initially, the approval is limited to the Jind–Sonipat route, while its scheduled maintenance will be carried out at Shakurbasti.

• With the launch of this train, India joins a select group of countries such as Germany, Japan, China, Sweden and the United States that are exploring or operating hydrogen-powered rail systems. 

• The initiative reflects Indian Railways' broader commitment to innovation, energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable mobility.

About the Hydrogen-Powered Train

• The hydrogen train is designed and developed in India, demonstrating Indian Railways' commitment to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and indigenous technological development.

• Presently, it is the world's longest hydrogen trainset on a broad-gauge platform, consisting of 10 coaches. 

• It is also the most powerful hydrogen trainset on a broad-gauge platform, with a total installed power of 2400 kW.

• The trainset comprises two Driving Power Cars (DPCs) of 1200 kW each, along with eight passenger coaches. 

• It will operate on the 89-km Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana.

How Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Works

• Hydrogen fuel-cell technology generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. 

• The electricity produced powers the train's electric motors, eliminating the need for diesel-based traction systems.

• Inside the fuel cell, hydrogen molecules are split into protons and electrons. 

• The electrons travel through an external circuit, generating electricity, while the protons pass through a membrane. 

• At the cathode, the protons, electrons and oxygen combine to form water, which is released as water vapour.

• As a result, water vapour is the only emission, making hydrogen fuel cells one of the cleanest transportation technologies currently available.

Hydrogen Production and Refuelling Infrastructure

• To support train operations, an indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been established at Jind. 

• The facility has received the necessary approval from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) for the storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas.

• The project is supported by a hydrogen compression system for refuelling operations, along with critical spare components and technical support systems to ensure reliable and fail-safe functioning.

• A standby compressor unit has also been provided to ensure uninterrupted operations.

• The hydrogen required for the project is produced through electrolysis, a process in which water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. 

• Under the broader vision of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, renewable energy-based electrolysers are expected to play a crucial role in producing green hydrogen.

Safety and Operational Arrangements

• The approval mandates 24×7 monitoring of the hydrogen refuelling system, deployment of trained and certified personnel for critical operations, and periodic inspection and maintenance schedules.

• Operation and maintenance manuals for both the hydrogen trainset and hydrogen plant have been approved by RDSO. 

• In addition, the proposed maintenance facility at Shakurbasti will operate under comprehensive safety provisions, standard operating procedures and regular audits.

Significance

• Green and Sustainable Transportation: The train produces zero CO₂ emissions, with water vapour as the only exhaust, helping reduce the environmental footprint of railway operations. 

• Advancement of Clean Energy: Supports the objectives of India's National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023) and promotes the use of hydrogen as a next-generation clean fuel. 

• Technological Self-Reliance: Demonstrates indigenous capabilities in hydrogen propulsion, storage, refuelling and railway engineering under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. 

• Energy Security and Reduced Fossil Fuel Dependence: Encourages the adoption of alternative fuels and reduces long-term dependence on imported fossil fuels for transportation. 

• Progress Towards Net-Zero Goals: Contributes to India's clean energy transition and supports the country's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 through the decarbonisation of the transport sector.