"Indian Railways Has Created World's Most Powerful 1,200 HP Hydrogen Train": Ashwini Vaishnaw

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Thursday that the 1,200-horsepower hydrogen-powered train engine developed by Indian Railways is the most powerful in the world.

World's Most Powerful 1,200 HP Hydrogen Train

Addressing a plenary session titled "Green Connections: Diaspora's Contribution to Sustainable Development" during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention, Vaishaw shared that only four countries make such train engines worldwide. 

"They produce somewhere between 500 to 600 horsepower while the engine produced by Indian Railways using indigenous technology has an output of 1,200 horsepower, the highest so far in this category," declared Vaishnaw as reported by PTI.

Praising India's technological advancements, the Minister said when the nation can build a hydrogen-run train engine on such a scale, it creates confidence l to adapt the technology for trucks, tugboats and elsewhere.

"Indigenously developed technology provides a unique chance to create derivative technologies for various applications," Vaishnaw said.

He further announced the first such train is expected to make a trial run in Haryana soon on the Jind-Sonipat route.

India is moving towards eco-friendly transportation, with its first hydrogen-powered train on trial in December 2024. This is an extraordinary initiative by Indian Railways and is a huge step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable travel alternatives.

What differentiates the Hydrogen-powered trains from the others?

Unlike traditional diesel or electric engines, the hydrogen train utilizes hydrogen fuel cells to produce the electricity needed for propulsion. The fuel cells when combined with oxygen, generate electricity without emitting harmful pollutants, making it one of the most sustainable modes of transportation. With zero emissions and lower noise levels, the hydrogen train offers a cleaner and quieter travel experience for Indian passengers.

Benefits of Hydrogen-Powered Trains

Some of the benefits are listed below: 

1. Zero harmful emissions

2. Reduced noise pollution

3. Sustainable alternative to diesel engines

4. Faster speeds and longer travel distances

5. Lower carbon footprint

As earlier reported by Startup Pedia, Indian Railways plans to expand its hydrogen train services throughout the country with around 35 hydrogen trains expected to run across various routes by 2025. These trains will offer higher speed and passenger capacity than traditional diesel trains while notably reducing the carbon footprint of the railway industry.

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