Hydrogen Train Plan for Kalka-Shimla Heritage Railway Moves a Step Closer
The iconic Kalka-Shimla Railway could eventually enter a cleaner, greener era, with plans to introduce a hydrogen-powered train on the century-old mountain route taking another step forward.
The Ministry of Railways has completed a survey for the proposed project and identified Barog railway station as a suitable location for a hydrogen fuel plant. The initiative is being pursued under the Centre’s Hydrogen for Heritage programme, aimed at promoting cleaner rail transport while reducing pollution.
The Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed route, is famous for its spectacular mountain scenery, tunnels, bridges and sharp curves. Introducing hydrogen-powered technology could add a modern dimension to the historic railway while helping protect its fragile Himalayan surroundings.
According to railway officials, the survey report will now be examined and the project will require the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Railways. A trial run could be considered once the required technical and administrative formalities are completed.
Hydrogen trains use fuel-cell technology to generate electricity, with water as the principal by-product at the point of use. Unlike conventional diesel locomotives, the technology could help reduce local air pollution along the route.
The Centre included the project in its plans for 2024-25, following which the Railway Board carried out surveys and assessments. The Kalka-Shimla section is among the routes identified under the Hydrogen for Heritage initiative, which envisages the deployment of 35 hydrogen-powered trains.
Bringing the technology to the Kalka-Shimla line, however, presents a different challenge. Unlike the hydrogen train project being pursued on the broad-gauge Jind-Sonipat section in Haryana, the Himachal route is a mountainous narrow-gauge railway with its own engineering requirements.
A 120-Year-Old Railway Eyes a Greener Future
Stretching for around 96 kilometres, the Kalka-Shimla Railway has been operating for more than 120 years. The route passes through 103 tunnels, more than 800 bridges and around 900 curves, making it one of India’s most remarkable examples of mountain railway engineering.
Over the decades, the heritage line has moved from coal-powered locomotives to diesel traction. A hydrogen-powered train could become the next major technological milestone in its journey while preserving the historic character that makes the railway one of Himachal Pradesh’s best-known tourist attractions.
Indian Railways is also pursuing other modernisation measures on the section, including plans for new coaches and trainsets aimed at improving passenger comfort.
The proposed hydrogen facility at Barog would provide crucial infrastructure for hydrogen-powered operations. However, the project’s final implementation will depend on Railway Ministry approval, technical feasibility and completion of the remaining procedures.
If cleared, the initiative could bring together two very different eras: the engineering heritage of the historic Kalka-Shimla Railway and a cleaner form of modern rail technology, offering travellers a greener way to experience one of Himachal Pradesh’s most celebrated mountain journeys.
