New Delhi, 17 July (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed the launch of India's first hydrogen-powered train, calling it a landmark achievement for Atmanirbhar Bharat and the country's journey towards sustainable development. Ahead of dedicating the train to the nation, the Prime Minister shared a congratulatory message on his X handle.

He wrote, Today, the dream of India getting its first hydrogen train is set to become a reality. This is a very significant day for Atmanirbhar Bharat and sustainable development. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone associated with this achievement.

The Prime Minister also shared a Sanskrit verse from Chapter 6, Verse 16 of Chanakya Niti:

Prabhutam Karyam Alpam Va Yannarah Kartum Ichchhati, Sarvarambhena Tat Karyam Simhad Ekam Prachakshate.

The verse explains one of the most important qualities that can be learned from a lion. It means that whatever task a person undertakes—whether great or small—should be begun with complete determination, strength and dedication. According to Chanakya, this is the foremost virtue that one should learn from the lion.

Notably, the Prime Minister is scheduled to flag off the country's first hydrogen-powered train at around 11 a.m. from Jind Railway Station in Haryana. The train will operate between Jind and Sonipat, marking a major step towards clean and sustainable transportation in the Indian Railways.

Designed, engineered and integrated entirely in India, the train has been developed using indigenous technology. With its launch, India joins a select group of nations operating hydrogen-powered trains.

The train runs on hydrogen fuel cell technology, which converts hydrogen into electricity to power the locomotive. The only by-product of the process is water vapour, resulting in zero carbon emissions during operation. Compared with diesel-powered trains, it eliminates tailpipe emissions, reduces dependence on fossil fuels and imported fuel, and operates with significantly lower noise levels, making it an environmentally friendly and efficient mode of transport.

The train consists of 10 coaches, making it one of the longest hydrogen-powered passenger trains developed anywhere in the world.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar