Hydrogen-powered trains have struggled after initial deployment even in Germany, their birthplace
| Photo Credit:
Scharfsinn86

Indian Railways (IR) is flush with funds, thanks to Budgetary support from the Centre. There is relentless bombardment of updates flaunting not completion but ‘percentage completion’ of high-profile projects, notwithstanding the delays.

The delays apply to the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor; Vande Bharat Sleeper, inaugurated twice already — in March 2024 and in September 2024; the prestigious Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project; and coverage of Kavach.

One hopes that some of these projects, which are undoubtedly significant, will gather momentum in the new fiscal. But with the exception of Kavach, none of them involves a novel technology. What, therefore, also deserves closer attention are its futuristic projects — technologies that are yet to be proven anywhere in the world. Two such projects are the hydrogen train and hyperloop.

IR must not only take the lead but also embrace risks associated with select futuristic projects — those that offer a reasonable promise of materialisation, even if certainty can never be guaranteed for a blue sky project. No genuine technological jump comes with a safety net. As the national rail network of a large and ambitious country, IR cannot afford to remain a perpetual follower.

Green hydrogen

Is there a credible case for IR to stake its leadership in the emerging arena of hydrogen-powered trains? Their promise remains largely unfulfilled, even in their birthplace, Germany, where the technology has struggled after initial deployment. Another fundamental question is whether it makes sense for IR to invest in a system designed for non-electrified routes after it has electrified all its routes. The idea of deploying them on heritage routes seems equally impractical as these lines are scattered across remote locations and ground installation of storage and logistics would be a killer.

How green and cost-effective is green hydrogen? Hydrogen has potential in specific industrial sectors, but is not a universal energy solution due to inefficiency and infrastructure issues. It needs a thorough review based on basic technical, economic, and practicability standpoints; it should be deployed where it would add real value and it is time that IR’s hydrogen trains spark informed debate. IR, however, proclaims that India has taken a major leap in railway technology — one that no other country currently possesses. While it is true that the propulsion system has been developed by a highly competent Indian firm with a solid global reputation, the heart of the system — the fuel cell — is imported. So, is this truly an innovation worth celebrating, or just another instance of grandstanding with borrowed technology, without much hope of its serialisation or export?

Hyperloop technology too is equally contentious. Experts argue that multiple attempts to develop it worldwide have ended in abandonment due to its exorbitant costs and lower energy efficiency compared to high-speed trains. Several companies that initially pursued the concept have either shut down or pivoted after early trials. I am, however, not prepared to pronounce it dead just yet. If a rigorous evaluation suggests a strong — if not guaranteed — prospect of viability in the near future, then IR should not only support it but also shoulder the associated risks. Subject to a positive outcome of the said evaluation, which has been non-existent so far, it should aspire to build the world’s first commercially operational hyperloop.

The IIT-Madras Avishkar Hyperloop team and its start-up, TuTr, have constructed a 410-meter test track with IR’s backing. This home-grown initiative is laudable but it is an early experimental phase — akin to an advanced academic prototype than a commercially viable solution. IR should leverage India’s size and potential of investment to forge partnerships with established global players. With government grants, IR can aim for leadership rather than mere participation.

The writer is Retd. GM/Indian Railways, Leader of Train 18/Vande Bharat project and Independent Rail Consultant

Published on April 14, 2025

📰 Crime Today News is proudly sponsored by DRYFRUIT & CO – A Brand by eFabby Global LLC

Design & Developed by Yes Mom Hosting