Bravo! Indian Railways Will Run Hydrogen Based Engines For Reducing Pollution, Saving Energy

Yes, you heard right! Soon we will be getting Hydrogen-infused engines for Indian Railways! 

How Did This Happen?

As per the reports, the SRM University, Amravati in the state of Andhra Pradesh, in partnership with Piyush Goyal-led Indian Railways, is working on a flagship project for developing hydrogen-infused railway engines.

Basically, this is going to be a hydrogen-powered fuel cell-based train. The hydrogen powered railway engine will be a flagship project of the SRM university, and will be done in partnership with the Indian Railways.

As D Narayana Rao, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, SRM University, Amravati was quoted in a recent PTI report that the project will be worked upon, through a tie-up with the Indian Railways. 

The Pro Vice-Chancellor was quoted saying that the University has also tied up with the Amara-Raja Group for establishing the SRM-Amara Raja Centre of Excellence of developing energy storage devices, while addressing a two-day industry-academia summit which was organised by the SRM University, in association with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). 

What Is The Plan?

Moreover, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the two organisations, in this regard.

Apart from that, the SRM University also has plans of opening another centre of excellence, by the name of the Jal-Janak Rail, a hydrogen-powered fuel cell-based train. 

Basically, the hydrogen powered railway engine will be a flagship project of the SRM University and will be done in partnership with the Indian Railways.

AP Industrial Infrastructure Corporation chairperson R K Roja, said several initiatives have been launched to inspire youth to undertake research. She has represented the state government.

She said, the collaborative research between industry and universities like SRM-AP will help the youth to do revolutionary work in the nation’s progress.

Why Would This Happen?

Further, the Indian Railways has been focusing on energy-efficient and environment-friendly initiatives across its networks. 

Be it be solar powered trains or stations to solar power parks along railway tracks, the national transporter is looking to actively reduce its carbon footprint. 

Moreover, the Indian Railways also aims to be the world’s largest fully electrified network.

In the meantime, it was recently reported that the Piyush Goyal-led Railway Ministry has also announced the launch of teaching programmes and joint research initiatives with the University of Birmingham at the National Rail Transportation Institute (NRTI). 

Before this, an MoU or a memorandum of understanding was signed by the Railway Board for establishing a Centre of Excellence for Next Generation Transportation Systems with the University of Birmingham.

It is expected that this initiative will pave the way for world-class teaching in railways systems.