Awaiting Date : Commencement of Commercial Operations Of Country’s first Hydrogen-Powered Train

“We haven’t received any communication regarding the start of its regular services, but I hope it will happen soon,” railway officials associated with hydrogen train operations said.

According to an official communication issued by the Railway Board to the Northern Railway on July 8, Hydrogen Train No 74010 will depart from Jind railway station at 7.40 am during its regular service and arrive at Sonipat at 9.40 am.

The train will halt at 12 intermediate stations: Jind City, Pandu Pindara, Lalit Khera, Bhambeva, Ishapur Kheri, Butana, Khandrai, Gohana, Rabhra, Lath, Mohana Haryana and Barwasni.

“Currently, six pairs of local trains provide commuting services to the local population on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat section, and they are adequate to meet the existing demand. So, even if there is a delay in starting the hydrogen train’s operations, it will not cause any inconvenience to local commuters,” the statement said.

When asked about the fare of the hydrogen train, officials said nothing has been officially communicated to them so far, but it is expected to be at par with the fares of the other local trains already operating on the route.

The fare of the existing trains ranges from Rs 10 to Rs 35, depending on the stations.

Officials also said that while the existing trains operate at a maximum speed of 110 kmph, the hydrogen train’s permissible speed is only 75 kmph, as it is based on a new technology.

Nevertheless, locals and officials expressed happiness over the launch, saying it marked the railways’ first experiment with green hydrogen technology in the country.