Jind (Haryana), 17 July (H.S.):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered passenger train from Jind railway station in Haryana, describing the occasion as a historic milestone that would secure Jind, Sonipat and Haryana a permanent place in the history of Indian Railways. He said the launch marked the beginning of a new era in rail transport, just as Mumbai and Thane became synonymous with India's first railway service.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for development projects worth nearly Rs 14,700 crore at Eklavya Stadium in Jind, the Prime Minister said India's hydrogen-powered train is among the world's longest and most powerful hydrogen passenger trains and stands as a successful example of the Make in India initiative.

He said the 19th century was defined by steam locomotives, the 20th century by diesel and electric trains, and that the 21st century would increasingly be identified with hydrogen-powered rail transport. He noted that only three or four countries currently operate hydrogen trains and said India has now joined this select group of nations.

The Prime Minister said the 10-coach train operating from Jind is equipped with a 3,200-horsepower propulsion system, making it one of the most powerful hydrogen-powered passenger trains in the world. Powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology, the train generates electricity by converting hydrogen into electrical energy and emits only water vapour during operation, resulting in zero carbon emissions.

Highlighting the transformation of Indian Railways over the past 12 years, Modi said one of its biggest achievements has been strengthening the country's energy security. Referring to ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, Iran and the Gulf region, he said India's railway operations have remained unaffected despite disruptions in global energy markets.

He noted that before 2014, a significant portion of the railway network relied on diesel-powered locomotives. However, over the past 12 years, nearly 99 per cent of India's railway network has been electrified, while Haryana has achieved 100 per cent railway electrification. He said this transition has enabled the country to continue its development journey without being severely impacted by fluctuations in global oil supplies.

The Prime Minister said the hydrogen train represents not only an environmentally sustainable mode of transport but also the success of India's indigenous manufacturing capabilities. He added that the development of hydrogen-related infrastructure and the establishment of new manufacturing facilities in the coming years would generate significant employment opportunities for the youth of Haryana.

Stating that Jind and Haryana have entered a new phase of development, Modi said the day would be remembered in the state's history as a landmark occasion. He also urged citizens to make cleanliness an integral part of their daily lives and social values.

During the programme, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth approximately Rs 14,700 crore. These included national highway projects valued at over Rs 12,470 crore. He dedicated the Haryana section of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, the four-lane Ambala-Kala Amb highway and the Jind-Gohana Greenfield National Highway to the nation, besides laying the foundation stone for the Hansi-Barwala Brownfield Highway project.

He also inaugurated the elevated railway track at Kurukshetra, dedicated the Pandit Neki Ram Sharma Government Medical College in Bhiwani, the Maharshi Chyavan Medical College and Rao Tula Ram Hospital in Narnaul to the nation, and laid the foundation stone for a Sikh Museum at Kurukshetra.

Referring to his recent visits to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, the Prime Minister said India had reached agreements with these countries to enhance cooperation in the sports sector, including athlete training, sports infrastructure and the sports industry. He added that initiatives such as the new National Sports Policy and the Khelo India programme are creating greater opportunities for young sporting talent across the country.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar