• India proposes to invite expression of interest from global players to manufacture hydrogen-powered trains in the country based on technology being developed indigenously.
• This is being done to implement Hydrogen for heritage scheme.

ABOUT THE SCHEME

• ‘Hydrogen for Heritage’ scheme, is a plan to operate hydrogen-powered trains on select heritage and hilly routes that are environmentally sensitive.
• It was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24.
• Indian Railways is developing a prototype of a train that will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells–making for a more environment-friendly locomotive than traditional diesel-powered ones.
  • Currently, only Germany commercially operates hydrogen-powered trains, while the US, the UK, France, and Japan are in the testing phase.
• India’s plan to develop the technology involves retrofitment of hydrogen fuel cells on diesel electric multiple unit (DEMU) rakes. This prototype is expected to run on the Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana initially.
  • Hydrogen fuel cells use the chemical energy of hydrogen to produce electricity.
• Indian Railways has proposed to run 35 hydrogen trains at an estimated cost of Rs80 crore per train, with ground infrastructure costing Rs70 crore per route.
• Thirty-five train-set rakes (with six coaches each) have been sanctioned for the ongoing financial year for eight sections–Matheran Hill Railway, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Kalka-Shimla Railway, Kangra Valley, Bilmora Waghai, Patalpani Kalakund, Nilgiri Mountain Railways, and Marwar-Goram Ghat.