India to get its 1st hydrogen train by Dec 2023 on heritage routes: Railway minister Ashwini Vaishna

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the most awaited hydrogen train will be built by 2023. "It will first run on historic circuits like Kalka-Shimla and later it will be extended to other places," Vaishnaw said.

Speaking further on the introduction of hydrogen trains in the country, the minister said, “As the budget focuses on green growth, the railways will also contribute a hydrogen train that will come by December 2023 and will be designed and manufactured in India. it will run on historic circuits like Kalka-Shimla and later expand to other places,” he noted. Vaishnaw said Prime Minister Modi's vision of showcasing cultural heritage through trains will also be updated by adding new circuits like Gurukripa Circuit to the list.

Last month, the Railway Minister said that they are developing a prototype hydrogen fueled train at the Northern Railway workshop, which will be tested on the Sonipat-Jind section in Haryana. We will start hydrogen trains on historic routes from December 2023. This will mean that these historic routes will be completely green," Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

About Budget 2023, Vaishnaw said it will be like a growth engine for the country. "The FM has allocated Rs 2.41 crore for railways, which will be a game-changer for the sector as it will fulfill the aspirations of every passenger," he said. Highlighting the development in the sector, the minister said that the railway is growing every year. As part of the 'Amrit Bharat Stations' programme, 1275 stations are being redeveloped while the production of Vande Bharat trains will be overhauled. "Before 2014, only 3 km of track was laid every day, in the current year it has increased to 12 km of track every day and for next year the target is 16 km of track every day," he added. 

Talking about the expansion of Vande Bharat facilities in the country, he said, "Now apart from ICF Chennai, Vande Bharat trains will be manufactured at Haryana's Sonipat and Maharashtra's Latur, fulfilling PM Modi's dream of connecting every corner with Vande Bharat trains." He further noted that Vande Bharat trains will also be manufactured at Rae Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh as the sector is making good progress on the 'Bullet Train'.