While most hydrogen trains in the world are limited to 2 to 3 coaches, India has launched a 10-coach train. The train has a capacity to carry 2,600 passengers.
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India has launched its first 'hydrogen train'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first 'hydrogen train' from Jind railway station on Friday. The train has been named 'Namo Green Train'.
The train will initially operate on the 89-km Jind-Sonepat railway line in Haryana. It will provide services at various stations and halts including Jind, Gohana and Sonipat. This train, which generates its own electricity from hydrogen, is being described as a historic achievement for India towards clean, sustainable and green rail transport.
While most of the world's hydrogen trains are limited to 2 to 3 coaches, India has launched a 10-coach train. The train has a capacity to carry 2,600 passengers.
It is said that overhead power lines are not required to operate this train. Electricity will be generated from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen from the atmosphere through a 'proton exchange membrane fuel cell' installed inside the train, according to a press release issued by the Indian Railways Ministry. The said electricity operates the traction motor and turns the wheels of the train. It is stated that there will be no smoke or direct carbon emissions as only water vapor and heat are produced from this process.
In the last 12 years, Indian Railways has been electrifying its railways at a rapid pace. Currently, more than 99 percent of India's broad gauge railways have been electrified. Indian Railways has stated that another important step has been taken in the operation of clean trains through hydrogen power.
This train has two 'hydrogen driving power cars' and 8 trailer coaches. Each power car is equipped with a 'proton exchange membrane fuel cell', lithium iron phosphate battery and hydrogen storage cylinder . Each power car will generate 1200 kilowatts of electricity . The combined capacity of both power cars will allow the train to operate at a maximum speed of 110 kmph, while the initial operating speed has been set at 75 kmph .
India's largest rail hydrogen refueling center has been built in Jind, Haryana for train operation . The center produces hydrogen by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis technology, i.e. electricity. Indian Railways has stated that the center can store about 3,000 kg of hydrogen.
Since hydrogen is a highly flammable gas, safety has been given high priority . The train and refueling center have been equipped with state-of-the-art sensors to detect hydrogen leakage, heat, fire and smoke . A system has been installed to automatically shut off the hydrogen supply in case of any abnormality. A facility to move the train to a safe place in case of an emergency and a digital monitoring system that provides real-time information about the status of the entire system have also been provided.
Indian Railways has stated that load box tests, radio frequency tests, vibration (oscillation) tests and emergency brake tests have been successfully completed before the train is put into operation. It is said that the train has been approved for operation only after all technical tests and safety assessments are completed. It is seen as an important step towards achieving India's National Green Hydrogen Mission and the long-term goal of zero carbon emissions.
