Whalesbook
Tech Toh Mast Hai Boss!
Ministry of Railways ne India ki first hydrogen-powered 10-coach DEMU train ko green signal de diya hai. Yeh train hydrogen fuel cells se electricity banati hai, jismein sirf paani aur steam nikalta hai. Ismein Distributed Power Rolling Stock (DPRS) tech use hui hai, jisse puraani single engine wali trains se alag, power train mein spread rehti hai. Safety aur technical checks Research Designs and Standards Organisation aur Commissioner of Railway Safety ne kar liye hain, lekin passenger service ke liye abhi aur approvals chahiye, jaise maintenance aur safety audits.
Paisa Kahan se aayega?
Greener transport ke liye ye ek bada step hai, lekin isme paise ka panga hai. Indian Railways ne already apna broad-gauge network 99% electrify kar liya hai, jo ki hydrogen se zyada cost-effective aur efficient hai. Analysts keh rahe hain ki is pilot project aur infrastructure par ₹111.83 crore kharch ho rahe hain, jo ki existing electric grid ke saamne kam lagta hai. Jind mein ek special hydrogen plant lagaya gaya hai jo PEM electrolyzer use karta hai. Par, green hydrogen abhi bhi diesel se kaafi zyada mehenga hai, toh isko badhane ke liye government subsidies ki zaroorat padegi.
Financial Sustainability ka sawaal?
Long-term mein yeh train chalegi ya nahi, ye badi chinta hai. Indian Railways ka budget bhi tight hai (FY 2025-26 ke liye operating ratio 98.43% estimate kiya gaya hai), toh aise expensive naye fuels mein invest karna mushkil hai. Kuch log keh rahe hain ki electrification ka 1% baaki hai, us par focus karna zyada sahi hota. Operational risks bhi hain, jaise Shakurbasti depot mein special maintenance ki zaroorat aur train ko side mein le jaane ke liye diesel engines ka use. Advanced sensors bhi ek extra complexity add karte hain.
Aage Kya?
Itni problems ke bawajood, "Hydrogen for Heritage" project kaafi high-profile hai, aur 35 aisi aur trainsets ki planning hai. Jind-Sonipat trial se pata chalega ki hydrogen trains sirf experiment bankar reh jaati hain ya practical use mein bhi aati hain. Sab kuch green hydrogen production efficiency aur cost-competitiveness par depend karega, jab India apne net-zero 2030 targets ko achieve karne ki koshish kar raha hai.