Indian hydrogen train: RDSO finishes fuel cell and battery test

03 Sep 2024 CW Team

The Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO), the R&D wing of the Ministry of Railways, announced on August 29 that it has successfully completed a crucial performance test of the fuel cell and battery systems for India?s first hydrogen train. This test, designed to simulate the drive cycle for the proposed Jind-Sonipat route, marks the completion of the stationary testing phase for the Driving Motor Coach subassemblies.

The successful test is a significant milestone in India's journey towards greener rail transport, ensuring that the train's systems are capable of meeting the operational demands of the Jind-Sonipat section.

In a previous statement, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed Indian Railways' plans to deploy 35 hydrogen trains under the "Hydrogen for Heritage" initiative. Each train is expected to cost around Rs 80 crore, with an additional Rs 700 million per route for ground infrastructure, particularly on heritage and hill routes.

Indian Railways has also launched a pilot project to retrofit existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rakes with hydrogen fuel cells. This project, estimated at Rs 1.11 billion, is specifically targeted for the Jind?Sonipat section of Northern Railway.

While initial operational costs of hydrogen trains may be high, they are anticipated to decrease as more trains are introduced, offering significant environmental benefits by supporting zero-carbon emission goals with clean energy sources. (moneycontrol)

Infrastructure Urban

10 Mar 2026

ABB to Invest Rs 6.25 Billion to Expand India Manufacturing

ABB recently announced plans to invest approximately Rs 6.25 billion ($75 million) in India during 2026 to expand its manufacturing footprint and research and development capabilities. The investment follows more than $35 million spent in 2025 and reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening its ‘local-for-local’ strategy in the country.The investment will support ABB’s Electrification, Motion and Automation businesses and expand manufacturing capacity for infrastructure sectors such as renewable energy, metro rail, data centres and industrial applications. Approximately 300..

Six WOLFF Cranes Handle 60,000 m³ Concrete for German Hospital

Six WOLFF tower cranes are playing a key role in constructing a new hospital complex in Memmingen, Germany, supporting large-scale material handling for the project. The facility is being built on a 7.7-hectare site and will feature six floors, around 480 beds and a gross floor area exceeding 75,000 sq m.Building shell works began recently in February 2025. One WOLFF 6531.12 Cross crane supported early site preparation before being dismantled in autumn 2025, while five remaining cranes continue operations. Over an average deployment period of 16 months, the cranes are expected to move approxim..

REC Funds Rs 115.6 Million CSR Support for Bihar Eye Hospital

REC recently committed Rs 115.6 million under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for the procurement of clinical and non-clinical equipment at Sankara Eye Hospital in Saharsa, Bihar. The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised eye care services in the region.A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was recently signed between Pradeep Fellows, Executive Director (CSR), REC Limited, and Wg Cdr V. Shankar (Retd), Trustee and Executive Director of Sankara Eye Hospital, at the REC office in the SCOPE Complex, New Delhi.The support is expecte..