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RAS question

Consider the following statements regarding India's first hydrogen-powered train: 1. It was developed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Lucknow. 2. It successfully completed oscillation trials in March 2026 for the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana. 3. The trainset has a combined power output of 2,400 kW and produces only water vapour as a by-product. 4. With this development, India will become the third country globally to operate a hydrogen train. Which of the statements given above are CORRECT?

Correct answer: (B) 2 and 3 only.

Only statements 2 and 3 are correct: India's first hydrogen train completed oscillation trials for the Jind-Sonipat route and has a 2,400 kW trainset that emits only water vapour.

  1. (A)

    1 and 2 only

  2. (B)

    2 and 3 only

  3. (C)

    1, 3, and 4 only

  4. (D)

    2, 3, and 4 only

Explanation

The answer turns on separating the developer, the test agency, the route and the technical features. The hydrogen train was developed by Integral Coach Factory, Chennai; RDSO, Lucknow, was involved in trials and specifications, so statement 1 misidentifies the developer. Statement 2 is correct because the explanation records successful oscillation trials in March 2026 for the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, and the PIB release identifies Jind-Sonipat as the route for the hydrogen train. Statement 3 is also correct: PIB describes a 10-coach trainset with two 1,200 kW driving power cars, totalling 2,400 kW, and says its only emission is water vapour. Statement 4 is wrong because India would be the fifth such country, not the third.

Why the other options are wrong

  • (A) Option A includes statement 1, but the train was developed by Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, while RDSO framed specifications and conducted trials.
  • (C) Option C wrongly includes statement 1 and statement 4, even though RDSO was not the developer and India is not described as the third country to operate a hydrogen train.
  • (D) Option D correctly keeps statements 2 and 3 but wrongly adds statement 4, which inflates India's global rank by saying third instead of fifth.

Concept

This tests applied science and technology in transport, especially hydrogen fuel-cell mobility and institutional roles in Indian Railways. RAS often asks such questions because they combine current affairs, clean-energy policy and factual precision about Indian public institutions.

Source

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