India’s Hydrogen train: No diesel, no electricity…, How will India’s Hydrogen Train run? Full process EXPLAINED

Indian Railways has made big progress by testing the country’s first train coach that runs on hydrogen. The test took place at the Integrated Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. Interestingly, this coach is not brand new. It was earlier used in a diesel-powered DEMU train, but has now been changed to run on hydrogen gas. In short, an old coach has been turned into a cleaner and more eco-friendly version.

The biggest advantage of a hydrogen-powered train is that it does not produce any smoke or pollution. The train runs on hydrogen and the only thing it releases is water vapor,  not harmful gases.

How does a Hydrogen train work?

It uses a smart and clean technology called a Hydrogen Fuel Cell System. This system uses two main elements i.e. Hydrogen gas, stored in special tanks inside the train and oxygen, which is taken from the surrounding air

When hydrogen and oxygen combine in the fuel cell, they create electricity to power the train and the only byproduct is water vapor.

How does the Hydrogen train actually work?

When hydrogen gas and oxygen come together inside the train’s fuel cell, a chemical reaction takes place. This reaction produces three things:

• Electricity, which powers the train’s motor and makes it move.
• Heat,  which is released safely.
• Water vapor,  just steam, no smoke or harmful gases!

There’s a hydrogen tank in or near the coach that stores hydrogen gas at very high pressure. The gas is sent to the fuel cell when needed, and electricity is generated on the spot.

The train also has a battery system.

• When the train needs extra power (like while going uphill), the battery helps.
• When power needs are low, the fuel cell recharges the battery.

Which countries already have hydrogen trains?

India is now joining a small group of countries that already use hydrogen-powered trains. Germany and France have been using this clean and green technology for some time. Now, India is also taking steps in the same direction and plans to run more hydrogen trains in the near future.

Why is this important for India’s future?

India has promised to become a “net-zero” country by 2070, which means it will reduce pollution as much as it produces, so the overall impact on the environment is zero.

Hydrogen trains are an important move in that direction. They are good for the environment because they don’t cause pollution, and they also offer a modern and cleaner way to run trains in the future.

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