Is a hydrogen train cheap or expensive? What is the cost of running it for one kilometer?

The journey of technological advancement has begun with the launch of India's first hydrogen train. On July 17, Prime Minister Modi flagged off the first hydrogen train running between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. This day has now been etched in the history of India and its railways. However, the hydrogen train has sparked considerable public discussion, raising questions about its safety and cost-effectiveness compared to conventional trains.

**Is the hydrogen train expensive or affordable?**
Simply put, while the manufacturing cost of a hydrogen train is high, its operating cost is significantly lower. Building a hydrogen train costs between ₹40 crore and ₹80 crore—making it about 30% more expensive to manufacture than a standard, conventional train (a diesel train costs around ₹27 crore).

**What is the cost of running it per kilometer?**
The hydrogen train currently operates on an 89-kilometer route between Jind and Sonipat. According to experts, an average hydrogen fuel cell car requires approximately 0.005 to 0.01 kilograms (5 to 10 grams) of hydrogen to travel one kilometer; this means a car can cover a distance of about 100 to 150 kilometers on a single kilogram of hydrogen. In contrast, a diesel train consumes about 4 liters of fuel per kilometer. The hydrogen train consists of 10 coaches and will consume 1 kilogram of hydrogen during the 89-kilometer journey.

**Hydrogen trains: Low maintenance, low pollution, and cost-effective**
Diesel trains emit large amounts of CO2 and harmful smoke, whereas hydrogen trains release only water vapor. Additionally, maintenance costs for hydrogen trains are lower because they do not have as many complex moving parts as diesel engines. Moreover, although the cost of operating hydrogen trains is high, the government has kept the fare affordable for the general public—reportedly ranging from ₹5 to ₹25.

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