NEW DELHI (Metro Rail News): The Indian Railways is expediting plans to introduce hydrogen-powered trains by preparing to float a tender to procure 35 green energy-driven trains. According to sources, the cost for these trains would be approximately Rs 2,800 crore. This week, railway officials held a detailed meeting with several major technology players, including Siemens, Cummins, Hitachi, BHEL, and Medha Servo, who expressed interest in manufacturing the trains. The trains are expected to be introduced on heritage routes. After receiving input from the industry, the railways will float the tender. Officials stated that the meeting with the industry was productive and aided in expediting the plan.
At present, Medha Servo is conducting a pilot project to retrofit hydrogen fuel cells onto a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train. This initiative will result in the development of the first prototype hydrogen train, which is expected to commence operation between Jind and Sonipat later this year.
According to recent announcements made by the Railway Ministry to the Rajya Sabha, the cost for each hydrogen train is estimated to be around Rs 80 crore, while the ground infrastructure required for various heritage and hill routes will require an investment of approximately Rs 70 crore per route.
