Himachal Pradesh Proposes Running Kalka-Shimla Toy Trains on Green Hydrogen

Himachal Pradesh Proposes Running Kalka-Shimla Toy Trains on Green Hydrogen

Sub : History

Sec: Art and Culture

Why in News

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister has urged the Central government to consider running toy trains on the Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge railway using green hydrogen. This historic rail line is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the proposal aligns with the State’s goal of becoming a ‘green energy State’ by 2026.

About the Kalka–Shimla Railway:

The Kalka-Shimla railway is a narrow-gauge line in Himachal Pradesh that connects Kalka to Shimla, traversing a mountainous route.

It is a 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow-gauge railway in North India which traverses a mostly mountainous route from Kalka to Shimla.

It is known for dramatic views of the hills and surrounding villages. The railway was built under the direction of Herbert Septimus Harington between 1898 and 1903 to connect Shimla, the summer capital of India during the British Raj, with the rest of the Indian rail system.

Its early locomotives were manufactured by Sharp, Stewart and Company. Larger locomotives were introduced, which were manufactured by the Hunslet Engine Company.

Diesel and diesel-hydraulic locomotives began operation in 1955 and 1970, respectively.

On 8 July 2008, UNESCO added the Kalka–Shimla Railway to the mountain railways of India World Heritage Site.

About Green hydrogen: 

Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power through a process called electrolysis, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. This process emits no greenhouse gases, making it a clean and sustainable energy source.

The Union Ministry of New & Renewable Energy defines green hydrogen when the well-to-gate emission (encompassing water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification, drying and compression of hydrogen) not exceeding 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg H2.

Gray hydrogen, on average, emits 10 kg of CO2 per kg of H2 produced.

Hydrogen has superior calorific value (119.93 megajoules / kg) compared to gasoline (44.5 megajoules / kg).

Burning hydrogen results in fewer harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

Himachal Pradesh’s Green Energy Strategy:

The State government is implementing a comprehensive approach to transition to sustainable energy, contributing to India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Plans are in place to replace 1,500 MUs of thermal power with renewable energy from hydro, solar, and wind sources.

Achieving 90% renewable energy in its power distribution network will enable the State to be recognized as a fully green State. The transition is expected to be completed within a year, allowing industries to apply for the ‘Eco Mark’ for product value enhancement.

The State aims to develop 2,000 Megawatts (MW) of solar power capacity over the next four to five years.

The first green hydrogen production facility is being developed in collaboration with Oil India Limited (OIL).

The government is in discussions with private investors to establish additional facilities, boosting green hydrogen production.