PM Modi Flags Off India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train in Jind, Underscores Railway Modernisation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated a new chapter in India’s railway sector by flagging off the country’s first hydrogen-powered train from Jind to Sonipat. The event highlighted significant advancements in sustainable mobility and the transformation of Indian Railways over the past decade.

PM Modi addresses a gathering in Haryana's Jind | Moneycontrol

Strategic Benefits of Railway Reforms

Addressing a public gathering in Jind, the Prime Minister pointed out that India imports substantial quantities of petrol, diesel, LPG, and fertilisers through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route that has faced disruptions due to recent tensions in West Asia. He noted that extensive electrification of the railway network has strengthened the country’s ability to maintain uninterrupted services even during periods of global uncertainty.

Modiji explained that prior to 2014, a large portion of the rail network relied on diesel. In contrast, nearly 99% of the network has now been electrified in the last 12 years, with Haryana achieving 100% electrification. This shift has improved operational resilience and reduced dependence on imported fuels.

Launch of Hydrogen Train

The newly launched hydrogen-powered train represents a major step towards green transportation. The 10-coach train, with a capacity of around 2,600 passengers, operates on hydrogen fuel cell technology that produces only water vapour as a by-product. It will initially run on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route at a maximum speed of 75 kmph, serving multiple stations and providing an eco-friendly travel option for commuters.

The Prime Minister described the hydrogen train as a source of national pride, noting that such technology is still in its early stages globally and is currently operational in only a few countries.

Development Projects Inaugurated

During the visit, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several infrastructure and development projects worth approximately ₹14,700 crore. These initiatives span railways, roads, healthcare, education, and tourism sectors, aimed at enhancing connectivity and promoting overall growth in the region.

The MGMM Outlook 

The launch of India’s first hydrogen-powered train marks another significant milestone in the country's push towards modern, self-reliant, and environmentally sustainable infrastructure. Combined with the near-complete electrification of the railway network, this achievement reflects a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels while strengthening national energy security. At a time when global supply chains remain vulnerable to geopolitical tensions, investments in cleaner and more resilient transport systems enhance India's ability to maintain uninterrupted connectivity and economic stability.

Beyond the hydrogen train itself, the inauguration of development projects worth ₹14,700 crore demonstrates a broader commitment to accelerating infrastructure-led growth across railways, roads, healthcare, education, and tourism. The adoption of advanced railway technologies places India among a select group of nations exploring hydrogen-powered mobility, reinforcing the country's ambition to emerge as a global leader in innovation, green transportation, and future-ready public infrastructure.

(Sources: Moneycontrol, Times of India)