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SSC Foundation Offline cum Online Delhi Batch 2025 (FC-02)
04 August, 2025
Successful Trial of India's First Hydrogen-Powered Train Coach
Sat 26 Jul, 2025
Context:
- Indian Railways successfully conducted the trial of the country’s first hydrogen-powered train coach on 25 July 2025 at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.
Key Highlights:
- This marks a historic step towards green and clean transportation.
Trial Details:
- Date & Location: 25 July 2025, ICF Chennai
- Type of Coach: A Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) coach converted to hydrogen-powered
- Performance: The coach met all expected performance parameters, showcasing the viability of hydrogen technology
- Power Capacity: 1,200 Horsepower (HP), making it one of the most powerful hydrogen trains in the world
Technology and Working:
- Hydrogen Fuel Cell System: Uses chemical reaction between hydrogen gas and oxygen to produce electricity, heat, and steam—a zero-emission technology
- High-Pressure Tanks: Hydrogen gas is stored under high pressure and supplied to the fuel cell
- Battery System: Assists with extra power requirements and charges from the fuel cell
- Indigenous Development: The coach is developed entirely using indigenous technology
Environmental Benefits:
- Zero Emissions: Only water vapor is emitted, no carbon emissions
- Pollution Reduction: No smoke or harmful gases—significant air quality improvement
- Noise Reduction: Generates 60% less noise compared to diesel trains
Economic & Operational Benefits:
- Cost-Effective: Higher initial cost, but long-term savings
- Ideal for Non-Electrified Routes: More economical than full route electrification
- Operational Savings: Reduced operating costs over time
Indian Railways & Clean Energy Mission:
- This initiative is part of Indian Railways' "Green Railway" mission, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2030
- Hydrogen trains will serve as an alternative to diesel locomotives, especially on difficult or expensive-to-electrify routes
- Focus on adopting clean energy technologies to lower operational expenses
Global Context:
- Other Countries: Germany and France are already operating hydrogen-powered trains
- Uniqueness: India’s 10-coach hydrogen train will be the first of its kind in the world
Indian Railways – Overview :
| Feature | Details |
| Established | 1853 (First train: Mumbai to Thane on 16 April) |
| Headquarters | Rail Bhavan, New Delhi |
| Supervising Ministry | Ministry of Railways, Government of India |
| Railway Zones | 19 (Including Metro Railway, Kolkata as the 19th) |
| Bullet Train Project | Mumbai-Ahmedabad (in collaboration with Japan) |
| Green Target | Net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 |
Major Coach Manufacturing Units of Indian Railways:
| Factory Name | Location | Key Highlights |
| Integral Coach Factory (ICF) | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Premier passenger coach manufacturer; produced 3,007 coaches in 2024–25; emphasizes self-reliance and innovation. Conducted the successful hydrogen coach trial in 2025. |
| Rail Coach Factory (RCF) | Kapurthala, Punjab | Established in 1985; manufactures a wide range of modern coaches using advanced technology. |
| Modern Coach Factory (MCF) | Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh | Produced 2,025 coaches in 2024–25; to begin production of Vande Bharat train coaches soon; highest worker productivity in India; employs ex-army personnel. |