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Germany introduces train that has zero emission

The train is powered by huge lithium ion batteries, and these get their energy from a hydrogen fuel tank placed on the roof of the train

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The German train that runs on lithium batteries and emits no smoke
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Germany is set to introduce the world's first zero-emission passenger train to be powered by hydrogen. The train, which has been manufactured by Alstom, a company that specialises in railway equipment, only emits excess steam into the atmosphere, and provides an alternative to the country's 4,000 diesel trains.

"Alstom is proud to launch a breakthrough innovation in the field of clean transportation which will complete its Coradia range of regional trains. It shows our ability to work in close collaboration with our customers and develop a train in only two years," said Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Chairman and CEO, Alstom.

The train is powered by huge lithium ion batteries, and these get their energy from a hydrogen fuel tank placed on the roof of the train. It can travel almost 874 km per day at speeds of up to 140 km/h, and the only sound it gives off comes from the wheels and air resistance.

While eco-friendly public transport hasn't kicked off in India, there are initiatives to get it starting. As part of its sustainable development goals, India hopes to reduce its carbon footprint by 30-35 per cent. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, the municipality running the satellite city on the outskirts of Mumbai, recently submitted a proposal to acquire 12 electric buses to run on its fleet.

Similarly, the Bengaluru Municipal Corporation is in the process of buying 150 electric buses in its fleet. Also, Barasat, on the outskirts of Kolkata has introduced 1,000 e-rickshaws, which have gained popularity amongst the masses.

In a piece written in BusinessWorld, author Nayan Chanda says that the e-rickshaws apart from curbing pollution, have also helped create job opportunities. After initially importing them from China, India is now manufacturing to meet most of the growing demand, albeit with import of engine and critical parts from China. While India has a few years to reach the place Germany has reached, it's definitely moving in the right direction.

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