Vande Bharat vs Hydrogen Train: Indian Railways is constantly upgrading its technology and these efforts are not limited to just one area. Be it electrified railway tracks or green corridors, Railways is running modern trains suitable for every type of track. Recently, the country’s first hydrogen train was launched, which is an example of Railways’ commitment towards technological advancement and environment.
No smoke but only water vapor
Hydrogen train runs on fuel cell technology, in which hydrogen is converted into electricity and through this the train motor gets power. Its biggest feature is that it is completely pollution-free; No smoke but only water vapor is emitted. It is the world’s longest and most powerful hydrogen train with 10 coaches on a broad gauge platform and a capacity of 2400 kW. At present it is completely in the trial stage and is not running commercially.
Big success of Make in India
Vande Bharat train is the country’s first indigenous semi-highspeed train. It is a fully electric multiple unit (EMU) train, which has features like modern design, push-pull system, better acceleration, AC coaches, WiFi, infotainment system, automatic doors and adequate luggage racks. It started from Delhi-Varanasi route in 2019 and now it is running on many major routes of the country. This is considered a major success of Make in India.
Vande Bharat train is completely EMU
The coaches of both trains are manufactured at ICF, Chennai, but differ in technology, use cases and performance. Vande Bharat train is a fully electric EMU, while the hydrogen train is based on DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) and has been retrofitted.
Hydrogen train 75–140 km/h
There is a difference between the two trains in terms of speed, cost and design. Vande Bharat train runs at a speed of 160–180 km/hr and has a lightweight design and stainless steel chassis. The hydrogen train runs at a speed of 75–140 km/h and is currently in operation only on a pilot route. These initiatives of Indian Railways not only improve passenger convenience but are also important steps towards eco-friendly and futuristic transport options.
Speed and Route:
Vande Bharat train has a speed of 160–180 km/h and runs on electrified mainline. In contrast, hydrogen trains have speeds of 75–140 km/h and operate on non-electrified routes.
Cost and Design:
The estimated cost of the second generation of Vande Bharat train is around ₹115 crore. Its design is in the modern EMU style, which includes stainless steel chassis and lightweight coaches.
The hydrogen train is currently on a pilot project, so direct comparison of its cost is difficult. It is retrofitted on DEMU base, with two power cars (each with 1200 kW fuel cell, total 2400 kW) and 8–10 coaches.
Roots and Extension:
Vande Bharat train is already running on hundreds of commercial routes, while the hydrogen train is currently running only on the Jind-Haryana route. There are plans to expand the hydrogen train to 35 routes in the future.
Environmental Impact:
Vande Bharat train is completely electric, whereas the hydrogen train emits only water, making it a very eco-friendly option.
Railway experts say that both the trains will play a future role in India’s modern railway system, where Vande Bharat is suitable for high-speed and commercial routes, while the hydrogen train is emerging as a new option for environment-friendly and non-electrified routes.
Vande Bharat vs Hydrogen Train
As far as the comparison of Vande Bharat Train and Hydrogen Train is concerned, currently Vande Bharat Train is running regularly on many major routes and caters to most of the needs of the passengers. At the same time, the hydrogen train is currently only in the trial stage and its widespread operation has not started yet. Because of this, it is difficult to choose the “best” between the two trains at present.
Although the current lifetime cost of hydrogen trains is high, it may become a more affordable option in the future when green hydrogen becomes cheaper. Its design has been made especially environment-friendly and it is considered more suitable for special routes with less traffic.
Disclaimer: The information in this news is based on social media and reports, Hindi Khabar does not confirm its accuracy.
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