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Hydrogen toy train planned for historic Kalka-Shimla rail

Published : Sunday, 8 November, 2026 at 12:51 PM

Observer Online Report

Collected Photo

Indian Railways is preparing to introduce a hydrogen-powered toy train on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kalka-Shimla railway line under the central government’s ‘Hydrogen for Heritage’ initiative to curb environmental pollution.

The project aims to replace diesel-powered engines with green energy technology, preserving the ecologically sensitive Shivalik hill region while maintaining transport services on the nearly 120-year-old narrow-gauge route.

Hydrogen-powered trains utilize fuel cells to generate electricity, emitting water vapor as the primary byproduct instead of pollutants associated with conventional diesel engines.

The initiative follows a proposal submitted by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, requesting the deployment of green hydrogen technology on the historic route.

Indian Railways has completed preliminary feasibility surveys for the track and identified Barog railway station as a site for a dedicated hydrogen production plant. Northern Railway officials indicated that technical and administrative procedures are underway prior to conducting trial runs.

Built between 1898 and 1903 during the British colonial era, the 96-kilometre Kalka-Shimla railway features 103 tunnels and over 900 bridges. The line was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in July 2008 in recognition of its engineering craftsmanship and scenic value.

Railway authorities noted that implementing modern hydrogen technology on the century-old infrastructure presents technical complexities. The service rollout remains subject to final regulatory approvals from the Ministry of Railways, technical feasibility verifications, and ongoing infrastructure modernization efforts, including the introduction of upgraded coaches.

-EM

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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

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