India’s first hydrogen train launched two months ago established Indian Railways’ technological prowess in running the world’s longest and highest-powered hydrogen train.However, even though the train has worked well as a technology demonstrator so far, its occupancy has been lower than expected. This has prompted railway officials to plan an extension of the train to the national capital.
Hydrogen train to be extended to Delhi?
Indian Railways is considering extending the run of its only hydrogen-powered train to Delhi after the service recorded very low passenger numbers on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, where it currently operates, officials told PTI.Despite the train having a maximum capacity of 2,600 passengers, only around 40 to 60 people board it over the entire journey between Jind and Sonipat, officials said.The low ridership has also resulted in the train making just one round trip each day. When the service was initially announced, it was expected to operate two return trips between Jind and Sonipat.“Its successful running by the Northern Railways for the last two months speaks volumes about the dedication and commitment of the team of experts involved in its day-to-day operation. They are working out all measures for its extension up to Azadpur Station near the wholesale fruits and vegetables market in Delhi,” a senior railway official said.The hydrogen train replaced a DEMU service that had earlier operated on the same route. Railway staff said that service had also recorded similarly low passenger numbers.“At present, besides the hydrogen-powered train, three other DEMU trains are operational on the route, and none of them has high passenger turnout due to the lack of office commuters or industry workers between the two cities,” a staff member involved in train operations said.“There are hardly any office-goers or industrial workers on this route. Locals have also been demanding that it should be extended to Delhi for optimum utilisation,” the person added.
Operational challenges
However, some experts pointed to operational difficulties that could arise if the hydrogen-powered train is extended to Delhi.“It is a 10-coach train that can carry only 2,600 passengers, whereas trains operating from Delhi need more than 18 to 20 coaches to accommodate the large number of commuters due to capacity constraints on the railway tracks,” a senior official said. The official added that fuel capacity would not be a constraint, as the train can travel 250 km to 300 km on a full tank.At present, the train can be refuelled only at Jind, officials said. With its current fuel range, it can cover around 150 km in one direction, while the distance between Jind and Delhi is approximately 130 km.While local passengers said taking the train to Delhi would be the most useful option, they also suggested an alternative if operational limitations make the extension difficult. The existing route could be modified to include Panipat and Safidon, creating a circuit within Haryana.“Currently, it operates from Jind to Sonipat and vice versa. So instead of moving in the UP and DOWN directions on the same route, this train can be extended to Panipat from Sonipat and, after covering Safidon, it can reach Jind, completing a circuit. Since Panipat is an industrial area, it will attract a lot of daily commuters,” a local passenger suggested.“The train can start from Jind as usual and cover a distance of about 180 km via Sonipat, Panipat and Safidon before terminating at Jind. This will really help locals and improve the train’s footfall,” he added.India’s first indigenous hydrogen-powered train was launched on July 17, marking a step towards the use of next-generation clean and sustainable transportation technology.Railway officials described the service as a pilot project that places India among a small group of countries, including Germany, Japan, China and the United States, exploring hydrogen-powered rail transportation.“A group of top experts are regularly monitoring its operation between Jind and Sonipat, as well as its trial runs for extension to Delhi. Since it is a new technology and passenger safety is paramount for the Indian Railways, a decision on its extension will be taken after due consideration,” an official said.
