Hydrogen Train To Delhi? Jind-Sonipat Service Likely To Extend To National Capital; Check Proposed Timings

Jagran Correspondent, Sonipat: To increase passenger numbers, Indian Railways is considering extending the route of the country's first hydrogen-powered train to Delhi. The Delhi Division DRM has sought a proposal from officials on revised timings for the train. Officials have submitted their recommendations, and preparations are underway to implement the new schedule after the required approval is received.

A survey is also being conducted to assess the feasibility of extending the train's route to Delhi. The move comes amid low passenger numbers on its existing Jind-Gohana-Sonipat route in Haryana.

India's first hydrogen train, comprising eight passenger coaches, was inaugurated at Jind on July 17 and began carrying general passengers on the Jind-Gohana-Sonipat route from July 19.

The train has a seating capacity of around 2,600 passengers. However, only about 2,000 passengers travelled on it between July 20 and August 20, prompting railway officials to examine ways to make the service more useful and attractive to passengers.

Why Is Hydrogen Train Getting Fewer Passengers?

Here are some reasons for it:

1. Lack of Connectivity With Other Trains

At present, the hydrogen train is primarily being used by local passengers because it is not properly connected with other trains.

As a result, the train is mainly being used for local journeys between Jind, Gohana and Sonipat. Passengers heading towards Delhi generally prefer other options because the onward train connections do not align with the hydrogen train's schedule.

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2. Stations Are Far From Villages

Several stations and intermediate halts on the Jind-Gohana-Sonipat route are located around three to four kilometres from nearby villages and population centres.

There are limited transportation facilities between the villages and these stations. As a result, passengers often have to walk to the stations to board the train and walk back to their villages after getting off.

Hydrogen Train: Check Proposed Timings

At present, the hydrogen train reaches Sonipat at 9:40 am and departs for Gohana at 10:10 am.

Under the proposal, the hydrogen train would depart from Jind at 5:45 am and reach Sonipat at around 7:30 am.

This timing would allow passengers travelling towards Delhi to connect with local trains at 7:35 am, 7:50 am and 8:10 am. They would also have the option of taking the Jhelum Express at 9:28 am.

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The proposal is intended to make the service more useful for passengers from Jind and Gohana travelling towards Delhi.

Officials have also suggested that instead of remaining parked at Jind during the day, the train could be stationed at Sonipat and depart for Gohana and Jind at around 5:30 pm.

This would enable passengers arriving from Delhi on a local train at around 5:05 pm to continue their journey towards Gohana and Jind on the hydrogen train.

What Jagran Suggests

Another option would be to extend the train to Delhi via Panipat rather than restricting its operation to the Jind-Gohana-Sonipat section.

The Panipat-Sonipat-Delhi corridor has a larger passenger base and substantial commuter movement. Extending the hydrogen train along this route could therefore provide it with access to more passengers.

( With inputs from Nandkishore Bhardwaj )