Rail transport is regarded as one of the most energy-efficient and cost-effective modes of transport. Over the years, the sector has undergone steady progress in electrification, traction systems and energy optimisation. A major part of this transformation has been the gradual replacement of diesel locomotives with electric traction to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. However, despite this progress, only about one-third of the global railway network is electrified. The remaining two-thirds still rely on diesel traction due to high capital expenditure, operational challenges in low-density corridors and technical difficulties in installing overhead systems across rugged terrains.

While electrification represents a crucial step toward reducing emissions, it does not by itself achieve carbon neutrality. This is largely because electricity generation in many countries continues to depend on non-renewable energy sources such as coal, oil and natural gas. Extending full electrification across all routes is also economically impractical, particularly in rural or low-traffic corridors where returns on infrastructure investment remain low.

To address these limitations, hydrogen fuel cell technology is emerging as a promising alternative for decarbonising rail networks. Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapour as a by-product. This allows trains to operate without direct carbon emissions while maintaining the performance and range of conventional systems. Such technology is particularly suited to non-electrified routes where installing overhead electrical systems is neither cost-effective nor operationally feasible.

For India, where the rail network remains one of the largest in the world, the application of hydrogen fuel cell systems presents an opportunity to accelerate its clean mobility transition. The Indian Railways has set a target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Integrating hydrogen-based propulsion can play a pivotal role in meeting this goal by complementing ongoing electrification efforts and replacing diesel-powered operations on select routes.

The adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology, however, comes with its own set of engineering and logistical challenges. These include the need for efficient hydrogen storage and refuelling infrastructure, safety management systems and the adaptation of rolling stock designs. Additionally, ensuring fuel cell durability under Indian climatic and operational conditions will be essential to achieving long-term reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Overall, hydrogen fuel cells offer Indian Railways a sustainable, flexible and future-ready solution. By balancing environmental responsibility with operational feasibility, this technology can bridge the gap between electrification and full decarbonisation, positioning India at the forefront of green rail mobility.

Source: 

https://metrorailnews.in/hydrogen-fuel-cells-for-trains/