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)