Indigenous Hydrogen Train Engine

Posted 22 Feb 2025

Updated 26 Feb 2025

4 min read

Why in the News?

Indian Railway Minister announced the development of the world's most powerful hydrogen fuel-run train engine with 1,200 horsepower.

Only four countries (Germany (1^st), France, Sweden, and China) in the world have hydrogen-powered trains, capable of producing around 500 to 600 horsepower.
All hydrogen powered rail vehicles, whether large or small, are categorized as 'hydrail,' whether the fuel is used for the traction motors, auxiliary systems, or both.
They have considerable advantage over electric trains: Electric trains require expensive and complex infrastructure, including overhead gantries to carry power cables and power substations, which is not required in hydrail.

Designed by: Research, Design, and Standard Organization (RDSO) in Lucknow.
Manufactured by: Integral Coach Factory, Chennai manufacturing coaches for the train.
Background: The Ministry of Railways, Government of India, announced the "Hydrogen for Heritage" project in 2023.
- Union Budget 2023–24: Announced and allotted funds for developing 35 hydrogen fuel cell trains.
- As part of this venture, existing Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rakes will be retrofitted with green hydrogen fuel cells.
Trial Route: Jind-Sonipat in Haryana.

Hydrogen is the simplest and most abundant element in the universe, consisting of just one proton and one electron.
Molecular Structure: Diatomic, meaning it contains two atoms.
Chemical Properties: Highly reactive and combines with almost all elements to form binary compounds called hydrides, can undergo oxidation as well as reduction can lose an electron to form H+ (proton) or gain an electron to form Hˉ (hydride ion).
- Known for forming acids when combined with non-metals like chlorine, sulfur etc.
- Isotopes: Protium, Deuterium, Tritium.

World Bank's 10 GW Clean Hydrogen Initiative: Promoting clean hydrogen as a low-carbon energy source using renewable energy, in emerging markets and developing countries.
The Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM): International clean energy leadership platform to drive international collaboration on policies to accelerate the commercial deployment of hydrogen fuels.
- The Clean Energy Ministerial Hydrogen Initiative (CEM H2I): Coordinated by The International Energy Agency (IEA), developed according to the CEM framework document. India is member.
Global Programme for Hydrogen in Industry (GPHI): In 2021, UNIDO launched (GPHI) to support developing countries and transition economies in overcoming various challenges that hinder hydrogen development.

National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM): To make India a Global Hub for production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives and green hydrogen production target of 5 million metric tonnes per annum by 2030.
The Green Hydrogen standard for India: Define emission thresholds for 'Green' classification, was notified on 19th August, 2023.
Guidelines for Pilot Projects for utilizing Green Hydrogen in the Shipping and Steel Sector: For retrofitting existing ships to run on Green Hydrogen and relevant facilities on ports.

Cost of Raw Materials: Precious metals such as platinum and iridium are typically required as catalysts in fuel cells and some types of water electrolyze, which means that the initial cost can be high.
Hydrogen Extraction: Hydrogen does not exist on its own naturally so needs to be extracted from water or separated from carbon fossil fuels. Both of these processes require a significant amount of energy.
Need of specific infrastructure for the green hydrogen production and requirement of advanced technology.
Highly Flammable: Hydrogen gas burns in air at concentrations ranging from 4 to 75%. It brings understandable safety concerns.
Hydrogen Storage: Complex process, as storing hydrogen as a liquid or at high pressure requires energy-intensive processes, such as liquefaction at cryogenic temperatures or compression to high pressures.

Government Support and Incentives: Continue providing financial incentives and programs to give investors the confidence needed for rapid private investment in the sector.
Generate Demand for Production: The next step is to generate demand for production and consumption as done in case of Electric vehicles through schemes like PM E-DRIVE Scheme.
Scale up Renewable Energy Capacity: Green hydrogen production necessitates significant renewable energy capacity. The mission aims for an associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW.
Global collaborations: Such as in September 2023, India signed an MoU with Saudi Arabia for cooperation in the field of Green Hydrogen & Ammonia to set up capacities.