Chandigarh, July 17: India entered a new era of eco-friendly mass transit as Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially flagged off the country’s inaugural hydrogen-powered train service between Jind and Sonipat. This historic milestone formed the centerpiece of a comprehensive development package for Haryana, encompassing projects worth Rs 14,700 crore. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw joined the Prime Minister on stage for the unveiling.
The new locomotive sets a global benchmark for sustainable rail travel due to its immense scale and propulsion capabilities.
“The hydrogen train running from Jind is the most powerful hydrogen train in the world. This train is 3,200 horsepower, and it is not only the most powerful but also the longest hydrogen train in India,” Modi declared.
The Prime Minister addressed a large public gathering gathered for the occasion, focusing on how rare and advanced this technology is on the global stage. He asserted that India has secured a leading position in adopting technology that most advanced nations are still testing in initial phases.
“Hydrogen trains have only recently arrived on the global stage. They came into existence just seven or eight years ago. Currently, only three or four countries possess the capability to operate hydrogen trains, and even in those nations, the technology is still in its early stages. However, hearing about the capabilities of India’s hydrogen train will fill you and every Indian with pride,” the Prime Minister affirmed.
Detailing the broader evolution of the network, the Prime Minister maintained that the energy independence of the transit system is a vital priority. He stated that the local railway network in Haryana has achieved absolute completion in terms of electrical power lines, providing smooth operations even during global fuel supply issues.
“The electrification of Indian Railways began in 1925, meaning about 100 years ago. From 1925 to 2014, in about 90 years, only about 30% of the country’s rail network could be electrified. 70% of the region ran on diesel. But in the last 12 years, about 99% of India’s rail network has been electrified. In Haryana, the rail network has achieved 100% electrification. Because of this, even despite conflicts and oil crises, India’s trains have not stopped; India’s vehicle of development has not stalled,” Modi affirmed.
The infrastructural push extended heavily into regional road networks, with the formal opening of major expressways and multi-lane highways designed to ease travel between neighboring states. The Prime Minister pointed out that the Jind region is rapidly becoming a vital hub for northern transport links.
“Be it rail or road… such connectivity work not only provides convenience but also multiplies the pace of development several times over. Today, Jind is connected to so many highways. From this platform, three major projects have just been launched. The inauguration of the Haryana section of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway has taken place, and the Jind-Gohana National Highway has also been dedicated to the nation. In addition, the Ambala-Kala Amb four-lane road will provide great convenience to the people of Haryana and Himachal,” he stated.
The Prime Minister also connected his recent diplomatic tour across the Asia-Pacific region to new opportunities for local youth. He affirmed that agreements signed with foreign governments would directly feed into specialized support mechanisms, such as the Khelo India campaign and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, ensuring local athletes receive top-tier coaching and institutional backing.
“Our government has also created a new National Sports Policy… the ‘Khelo Bharat’ policy. From the ‘Khelo India’ campaign to the TOPS Scheme, today, athletes are receiving unprecedented facilities. I had extensive discussions with the governments of Australia and New Zealand regarding sports. Together with these two countries, we are going to do a lot of work in areas like the sports industry and athlete training, which will greatly benefit the athletes of the country and Haryana,” Modi maintained.
