Russian Railways plans Sakhalin hydrogen train trials in 2027

Russia's first hydrogen train is nearing completion. Russian Railways plans certification and the start of trial operation on Sakhalin in 2027, according to company materials.

The train was presented by video link from its manufacturing site at a Russian Railways event in St Petersburg on October 16. The company was reviewing summer passenger services and preliminary results of its Year of the Passenger programme.

Transmashholding enterprises are developing the train with Russian Railways and the Sakhalin regional government, supported by the Industry and Trade Ministry. The manufacturer said on October 15 that the Demikhovo and Tver rolling-stock plants were working on it.

The train is intended for non-electrified railways using the 1,520-millimetre gauge. Its hydrogen power unit emits water vapour, the manufacturer says.

According to Transmashholding's timetable, running trials will begin in Moscow and Moscow region in 2027 and continue on Sakhalin in the middle of the year. Acceptance and certification testing are planned for the same year.