"A historic step towards the mobility of the future." This is how a regional press release announced the testing of "the world's first hydrogen-powered train designed specifically for narrow-gauge railways, set to enter service on the routes managed by ARST."
The presentation took place at the Stadler test center in Erlen, Switzerland. The new trains are expected to enter service on Sardinian lines once all authorizations have been completed. The supply is part of the framework agreement signed between Arst and Stadler and includes a total of ten hydrogen-powered trains .
«With the presentation of the first hydrogen train dedicated to narrow-gauge railways, Sardinia confirms its position as a pioneer in technological innovation applied to transport», declares the regional councillor for Transport Barbara Manca .
"We're talking about an absolute first in the global railway landscape: a train designed specifically for areas with similar infrastructure characteristics to ours, capable of transforming a historical limitation into an extraordinary development opportunity and already used in other standard-gauge railway contexts."
The hydrogen propulsion system, according to the Region's statement, "will overcome the limitations of non-electrified routes, while also ensuring a significant reduction in emissions. Compared to traditional diesel trains, the ten ordered convoys will save over 2,100 tons of CO₂ per year."
(Unioneonline/AD)
