Indian Railways has approved to run 10 coach hydrogen fuel cell based DEMU train on Jind-Sonipat railway section of Haryana. Railway Board has issued this permission with many technical and safety conditions. This train will run at a maximum speed of 75 kilometers per hour.
According to the Railways, this train will run on hydrogen gas, which will reduce both diesel consumption and pollution. At present the train will be operated only on Jind-Sonipat section. Its maintenance will be arranged at Shakurbasti depot in Delhi.
Railway Board has said that it will be necessary to follow all the safety standards before starting the train. License has also been obtained for the facility to fill and store hydrogen gas in Jind. Along with this, all the conditions mentioned in the safety inspection report of the hydrogen plant, train set and battery system will have to be fulfilled.
Railways has also said that employees associated with hydrogen refueling stations and train operations will be given special training and their capabilities will be certified. Trained technical staff will also be present with the train for the initial three months so that any technical problem arising on the way can be rectified immediately.
Railway Board has given many additional instructions regarding security. These include 24-hour monitoring of the hydrogen plant, regular cleaning of sensors, availability of essential spare parts and security of the entire complex. Railways has also given instructions to find alternative sources of green hydrogen in future.
CM expressed gratitude
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has thanked the Prime Minister and the Central Government for giving the country’s first hydrogen DEMU train to Haryana. CM said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Haryana will write new dimensions in the direction of development and rail infrastructure. Looking at future projects, this hydrogen demo train will prove to be a milestone.
