: Indian Railways will introduce its first hydrogen train this year, aligning with the National Hydrogen Mission to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of the national transporter.
Speaking at FICCI's Future Rail India 2024 conference, Anil Kumar Khandelwal Member (Infrastructure) of the Railway Board at the Ministry of Railways said, "Our first hydrogen train will be coming this year, and we are planning to launch about 50 by 2047
This move is part of Indian Railways' broader strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and integrate clean energy solutions into its operations.
Additionally, Khandelwal confirmed that the much-anticipated high-speed rail project is on track, with India's first bullet train "likely to see trains by 2027."
The system is currently operational over 1,400 kilometres, with expansion work ongoing on 3,000 kilometres of the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah routes. Bids for an additional 3,200 kilometres have been invited, with plans to extend by another 5,000 kilometres.
He urged significant industry participation in this national safety initiative, revealing that three companies have already been approved for Kavach, with eight more under consideration. The Kavach system is a crucial part of Indian Railways' efforts to enhance the safety and reliability of its vast network.
The introduction of hydrogen trains and the progress on high-speed rail are expected to significantly bolster the efficiency and sustainability of Indian Railways, aligning with global environmental goals and setting new standards in railway operations.