ENGINE OF CHANGE: Electric trains dominate India’s railway network, cutting cost and carbon emission
| Photo Credit:
Dinesh Hukmani
Indian Railways, one of the world’s largest rail networks, is on the verge of a historic milestone: near 100 per cent electrification of its vast track system. This ambitious transition underscores a strategic commitment to modernisation and decarbonisation. However, in this electrified landscape, does investing in hydrogen-powered locomotives align with rational decision-making? A closer examination suggests otherwise.
Pros of electrification
The electrification of Indian Railways is a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar endeavour, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependence. Today, electric trains dominate the network, supported by a grid that is increasingly powered by renewable sources like solar and wind. The government cites this achievement as a cornerstone of its climate strategy, projecting substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
More importantly, the electrification has delivered tangible economic benefits. It has significantly lowered traction costs compared to diesel-powered operations, improving efficiency while reducing expenses. Given this progress, the shift to hydrogen — a technology still in its infancy — raises serious economic and technical concerns.
Unviable alternative
While some European nations, including Germany and France, have piloted hydrogen-powered trains, these experiments have yielded mixed results, particularly in terms of commercial viability. Hydrogen-powered trains have primarily been deployed on low-traffic branch lines where electrification is not feasible. In contrast, Indian Railways has prioritised full electrification, leaving little room for hydrogen traction to add value.
Hydrogen as a fuel presents significant challenges:
Storage and transportation complexity — Hydrogen must be stored at extremely high pressure (above 350 bar), or in liquid form at ultra-low temperature (-253 degree C). Both options require costly and complex infrastructure, increasing operational risks and expenses.
Inefficiency in energy conversion — “Green hydrogen” production requires substantial electricity. Given that nearly 70 per cent of India’s power generation still comes from coal-fired plants, using this energy to produce hydrogen, rather than feeding it into the grid for electric trains, results in avoidable energy losses.
High cost of distribution — Establishing a hydrogen ecosystem for railways would necessitate a vast investment in production, compression, transportation and refuelling infrastructure; this money would be better spent on expanding electrification and renewable energy capacity.
Safety concerns — Hydrogen’s high flammability demands rigorous safety measures, adding another layer of complexity and cost. Transporting and handling hydrogen at scale would require extensive regulatory frameworks and risk mitigation strategies.
Strategic crossroad
Indian Railways must choose between reinforcing its success in electrification or diverting resources to an untested hydrogen future. Given the existing infrastructure, cost advantages and ongoing renewable energy integration, the logical choice is clear: electrification remains the most efficient, economically viable and sustainable path forward.
For now, the numbers — and the tracks — point to electricity as the smarter, greener bet.
(The writer is former General Manager, East Central Railways)
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Published on April 6, 2025
