Indian Railways has unveiled its ambitious ‘Hydrogen for Heritage’ initiative. Under this visionary scheme, hydrogen will take center stage as the fuel of choice to power tourist trains meandering through the enchanting expanse of heritage hill tracks. This green transition is poised to rekindle the charm of yesteryears while embracing the eco-friendly pulse of the future.
Forging the Green Path
After rigorous feasibility studies, the Indian Railways has commenced its remarkable journey towards realizing the ‘Hydrogen for Heritage’ dream. The blueprint is simple yet revolutionary – harnessing hydrogen power to fuel trains journeying across environmentally sensitive hilly terrains, laden with historical significance and tourism potential. This stride not only reduces the railways’ carbon footprint but also enhances the allure of heritage tourism.
Financial Insights and Technical Leaps
The report of the Standing Committee on Railways (2022-23) of the 17th Lok Sabha has provided intriguing insights into this groundbreaking venture. The railways have earmarked an estimated cost of Rs 80 crore per train to operate 35 hydrogen-powered trains. This commitment extends to the creation of the essential ground infrastructure at Rs 70 crore per route.
A pivotal pilot project entails retrofitting existing diesel electrical multiple units (DEMU) with hydrogen fuel cell technology. The Jind-Sonipat section of the Northern Railway will witness this transformation, backed by a budget of Rs 111.83 crore. The committee’s assertion that this step is a resolute stride toward green energy underscores the project’s magnitude.
Charting a Pioneering Path
The Indian Railways has taken a decisive lead by awarding a contract for the conversion of a 1,200 KW DEMU into a hydrogen fuel cell-based distributed power rolling stock. A crucial milestone will be achieved with the field trials of the prototype set to commence in June 2024. The railways’ vision extends beyond prototypes, aiming to manufacture train sets equipped with fuel cell-based propulsion systems, utilizing hydrogen fuel cells to provide traction energy.
Heritage Routes and Green Locomotion
The canvas of the ‘Hydrogen for Heritage’ scheme is painted with eight historical rail routes. These hallowed routes are the gateways to India’s past and include the iconic Matheran Hill Railway, Darjeeling Himalaya Railway, Kalka Shimla Railway, Kangra Valley Railway, Bilmora Waghai Railway, Patapalpani Kalakund Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railways, and Marwar-Goram Ghat Railway.
Legacy Meets Innovation
The ‘Hydrogen for Heritage’ initiative is a testament to the Indian Railways’ commitment to preserving heritage while embracing sustainable progress. As these hydrogen-powered trains embark on their journeys through India’s timeless landscapes, they carry the promise of a greener and cleaner future. This journey isn’t just about railway tracks and locomotives; it’s a narrative where tradition and modernity converge on the tracks of sustainability.
