India's First Hydrogen-Powered Train Background: Indian Railways has announced that the Prime Minister is set to inaugurate India's first hydrogen-powered train on July 17. Train Details The Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana has been selected as the pilot corridor for this project. The train has been entirely designed and manufactured in India. It operates on the broad-gauge railway network. Comprising 10 coaches, it currently stands as the world's longest hydrogen-powered train. For propulsion, the train utilizes a hydrogen fuel cell system with a capacity of 1,200 kW. Its maximum speed is 75 km/h. Project Components Two 1,600-horsepower diesel power units have been converted into hydrogen fuel cell-powered units. A hydrogen storage and refueling station has been established in the Jind area of Haryana. The 'Research Designs and Standards Organisation' (RDSO) is responsible for the design, testing, and validation of this project. Significance This train is part of Indian Railways' "Hydrogen for Heritage" initiative; under this scheme, 35 hydrogen-powered trains are set to be introduced on heritage and mountain railway routes. This marks a significant milestone, as only a few countries—such as Germany and China—have developed hydrogen-powered trains. The project supports the goal of promoting clean and eco-friendly transportation. Furthermore, it aids progress towards Indian Railways' objective of achieving 'Net Zero Carbon Emission' status by 2030. SWAYATT Initiative CONTEXT: Recently, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) celebrated the seven-year journey of its flagship initiative, SWAYATT – Startups, Women and Youth Advantage through e-Transactions. About SWAYATT Initiative It was launched in February 2019. It was conceptualised with a clear objective of invigorating participation of women-led enterprises and youth in public procurement. It democratizes government procurement by enabling startups, women entrepreneurs, youth, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), Self Help Groups (SHGs) and last-mile sellers to directly participate in the public procurement ecosystem through Government e-Marketplace.…
