Railways kicks off works on hydrogen-powered trains

10 Aug 2021 CW Team

The Indian Railways has floated tenders for hydrogen fuel cell-based technology by retrofitting on the Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) in the 89 km Sonipat-Jind section of Northern Railway.

Indian Railways has commenced work on hydrogen-powered trains.

Indian Railways wants to observe if existing diesel run trains can be retrofitted to utilise hydrogen instead.

According to the statement, the retrofitting of diesel-powered DEMU and transforming it into a hydrogen fuel-powered train set will not only save the price to the tune of Rs 2.3 crore yearly by turning from diesel to hydrogen but additionally save the carbon footprint (NO2) of 11.12 kt per annum and particulates matter of 0.72 kt per annum.

Setting an even more ambitious objective, the railways told the media that after successful execution of this pilot project, all the rolling stock which will work on diesel fuel after electrification could be prepared to work on hydrogen fuel.

Initially, 2 DEMU rakes will be converted, and later 2 hybrid narrow gauge locos will be converted on the basis of hydrogen fuel cell power movement. Additionally, the statement said that after conversion, the train would operate on hydrogen fuel, the greenet mode of transport as hydrogen can be produced by electrolysing the water from solar energy.

Currently, some countries are utilising this method. The trial of one rake is being done in Poland and the other in Germany.

The bidding date for a hydrogen fuel cell-based DEMU rake will begin from September 21, 2021, and the closing date will be October 5, 2021. A pre-bid conference will be on August 17.

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Also read: Indian Railways completes electrification of 45,881 route km

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