India: A video of the tests was shared by the country’s Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw. The minister stated that the trials are being conducted on the tracks of the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), which is owned by Indian Railways, in Chennai. No additional details were disclosed.
Head car of the India’s first hydrogen train. Source: Ashwini Vaishnaw/X
ICF has been working on creating a hydrogen-battery train since 2022 by retrofitting an existing diesel unit. According to the manufacturer, the train’s power system delivers 2,400 kW of output (comprising 1,600 kW from fuel cells supplied by US-based Ballard, and 800 kW from batteries) and offers a range of 375 km. The train will be capable of reaching speeds up to 110 km/h and accommodating 2,638 passengers.
Mr Vaishnaw said the train’s power output exceeds that of other manufacturers. However, the Indian train will operate as a ten-car set (two head motor cars and eight non-motor cars), whereas comparable trains from other manufacturers generally feature two- or three-car configurations.
Previously, India announced plans to procure 35 hydrogen trains.
