Hydrogen for Heritage Scheme

1. The scheme aims to revolutionise the railway industry by incorporating hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative to diesel engines.
2. The Indian Railways has planned to operate 35 Hydrogen-powered trains to run across 8 heritage routes that are environmentally sensitive hilly regions with a potential for tourism.
3. The project thus promotes clean energy sources with the aim of minimising harmful pollutants and also sets a precedent for sustainable transportation across the country.
4. A pilot project for retrofitment of a hydrogen fuel cell on an existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rake, in addition to the associated ground infrastructure. Will be operated on the Jind-Sonipat section of the Northern Railway.
    
5. The 8 heritage routes include:
   • Matheran Hill Railway
   • Darjeeling Himalaya Railway
   • Kalka Shimla Railway
   • Kangra Valley
   • Bilmora Waghal
   • Patapalpani Kalakund
   • Nilgiri Mountain Railway
   • Marwar-Goram Ghat Railway

Link: Railways plan 35 hydrogen-powered trains to run across 8 heritage routes- The New Indian Express