India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Namo Green Rail trainset on 17 July. Made up of two power cars and eight passenger cars, the train has begun service on the 89 km line between Jind and Sonipat.
A year-long test programme preceded the launch. “An independent safety assessment was done by TÜV SÜD. <…> In every way, the train is secure,” Modi said. “Once we have our own IP rights for this technology in India, we can export this technology to many countries.”
Namo Green Rail, first indigenously developed Indian hydrogen train. Source: India’s Ministry of Railways
Work on India’s first hydrogen-battery train began in 2022, built by converting an existing diesel trainset. RDSO, the Research Designs and Standards Organisation under India’s Ministry of Railways, prepared the design documentation. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, part of national operator Indian Railways, carried out the conversion while privately-held Medha Servo Drives integrated the equipment needed for hybrid running.
The trainset’s headline figure is 2.4 MW of combined output, and it is currently a record for hydrogen rail traction. Ballard fuel cells supply 1,600 kW of that, with a further 800 kW coming from lithium iron phosphate batteries. It has a range of 180 km, can reach 110 km/h, though its speed on the line is capped at 75 km/h, and seats 682 of its 2,638 total capacity.
Inside the Namo Green Rail, first indigenously developed Indian hydrogen train. Source: India’s Ministry of Railways
The proton exchange membrane fuel cells generate electricity through a cold combustion reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing water condensate and steam as by-products. Surplus energy goes into the batteries. Sensors on board continuously monitor for hydrogen leaks, unusual heating, flame or smoke. The train can cut the hydrogen supply automatically the moment any of these are detected, without waiting for a human response. Continuous ventilation keeps air circulating throughout the train.
Indian Railways has also built a hydrogen refuelling complex at Jind, where hydrogen is produced on site by electrolysis. Compressed to 50 MPa, the hydrogen is delivered through two independent dispensers at a regulated 35 MPa, letting both power cars refuel at the same time.
