India’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered train is set to enter service on 17 July, with dedicated hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure in Jind, Haryana.
Indian Railways said the 10-coach train, powered by two 1.2MW fuel cells, with a 2,600-passenger capacity, will run on an 89km route between Jind and Sonipat at an operational speed of 75km/h.
Dedicated storage, compression and dispensing facilities at Jind will support refuelling, with hydrogen supplied by a 1MW PEM system with up to 430kg per day capacity from GreenH Electrolysis.
The facility will be able to store up to 3,000kg of hydrogen and will dispense the fuel at 350 bar.
The Times of India, among other publications, has reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the train’s first journey.
It comes as the country’s railways, once predominantly powered by diesel, shifts electric.
While over 99% of its rail network has already been electrified, hydrogen is positioned as a solution for regions with little electrification.
India continues to ramp up its activity on hydrogen and derivatives as its National Green Hydrogen Mission targets an annual output of five million tonnes.
In May, public transport operator Delhi Metro Rail Corporation deployed two fuel cell-powered buses for operation in the country’s capital city.
Elsewhere, the Romanian Railway Reform Authority purchased 12 fuel cell electric trains from German technology conglomerate Siemens earlier this year.
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