Hydrogen trains have fought after the initial deployment only in Germany, their birthplace | Photo credit: Scharfsinn86
Indian Railways (IR) is full of funds, thanks to the budget support of the center. There is a relentless bombardment of updates that boast without ending, but ‘percentage completion’ or high profile projects, despite delays.
Delays apply to the Western Dedicated Load Corridor; Vande Bharat Sleop, opened twice, in March 2024 and in September 2024; The prestigious high-speed rail project Mumbai-Ahmedabad; And Kavach coverage.
One expects some of these projects, which are undoubtedly significant, obtain impulse in the new prosecutor. But with the exception of Kavach, none of them involves a novel technology. Therefore, what also deserves narrower attention is its futuristic projects, technologies that have not yet been tested anywhere in the world. Two of these projects are the hydrogen train and hyperloop.
Go should not only take the lead, but also adopt risks associated with selected futuristic projects, those that sacrifice a reasonable promise of materialization, even if certainty can never be guaranteed for a Blue Sky project. No genuine technological leap comes with a safety network. As the National Railway Network of a large and friendly country, IR cannot afford to remain a perpetual follower.
Green hydrogen
Is there a credible case to bet your leadership in the emerging field or trains with hydrogen? His promise remains largely breached, only in his place of birth, Germany, where technology has fought after the initial deployment. Another fundamental question is whether it makes sense to invest in a system designed for un -electrified routes after it has electrified all its routes. The idea of deploying them on patrimonial routes seems equally little practical since these lines are scattered in remote and instoran locations and logistics would be a murderer.
How green and profitable is green hydrogen? Hydrogen has potential in specific industrial sectors, but it is not a universal energy solution due to problems of inefficiency and infrastructure. It needs an exhaustive review based on basic technical, economic and practice stories; It must be implemented where it would add a real value and it is time for hydrogen trains to generate informed debate. Go, however, proclaims that India has made a great leap in rail technology, one that currently does not have another country. While it is true that the propulsion system has been developed by a highly competent Indian company with a solid global reputation, the heart of the system, the fuel cell is imported. So, is it really an innovation that is worth celebrating, or simply another instance or great with grandmother technology, without much hope of its serialization or export?
Hyperloop technology is also equally controversial. Experts argue that multiple attempts to develop it worldwide have ended up abandoning due to their exorbitant costs and lower energy efficiency compared to high -speed trains. Several companies that initially pursued the concept have been closed or turned after the first tests. I am, however, I am not prepared to pronounce it yet. If a rigorous evaluation suggests a solid perspective, if not guaranteed, of viability in the near future, not only supports it but also to the associated risks. Subject to a positive result of this evaluation, which has been non -existent so far, it should aspire to build the world’s first commercial operating hyperloop.
The Iit-Madras Team Avahkar Hyperloop and its implementation, tutr, have built a 410-meter test track with the back of IR. This local initiative is commendable, but it is an early experimental phase for an advanced academic prototype that a viable commercial solution. IR should take advantage of the size and potential of India’s investment to forge associations with established global players. With government subsidies, IR can point to leadership instead of a mere participation.
The writer is retired. GM/Indian Railways, Leader of Train 18/Vande Bharat project and independent railway consultant
Posted on April 14, 2025