Calls it a Make in India success
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana, marking the country’s entry into an elite group of nations operating hydrogen-fuel-cell trains. Calling it a major milestone for Indian Railways and a successful example of the ‘Make in India’ campaign, Modi said the project reflects India’s growing capabilities in clean, indigenous and sustainable transport technology.
The hydrogen-powered train will operate on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route, covering the journey in around two hours with halts at 12 intermediate stations. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini were present at the Jind railway station during the flagging-off ceremony.
The prime minister waved as the sky-blue and white train, carrying several schoolchildren onboard, departed from the station.
With the launch, India joins a select group of countries, including Germany, Japan, China and the United States, that have operational hydrogen-powered trains.
Designed, engineered and built in India using indigenous technology, the 10-coach train is powered by a 1,200-kilowatt hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion system that generates electricity onboard by converting hydrogen into power. It has a passenger capacity of around 2,600 and is expected to run twice daily at a maximum speed of 75 kmph.
The hydrogen train features a 3,200 HP propulsion system, making it one of the world’s most powerful hydrogen-powered trainsets in operation and among the longest hydrogen-powered passenger trains developed so far.
Hydrogen fuel-cell technology produces only water vapour and heat as by-products, resulting in zero carbon emissions during operation. Compared with diesel locomotives, hydrogen-powered trains eliminate tailpipe emissions, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and fuel imports, operate with significantly less noise and do not require continuous overhead electrification, as electricity is generated onboard. The use of green hydrogen also reduces reliance on electricity generated from fossil fuel-based thermal power plants.
A government statement said, “The project combines advanced propulsion technology with dedicated hydrogen storage, refuelling and operational infrastructure.”
‘World’s most powerful hydrogen train’
Addressing a public gathering after flagging off the train and inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of development projects worth Rs 14,700 crore, Modi described the project as a landmark achievement under the Make in India initiative.
“Today, Indian Railways has taken a major step and this hydrogen train from Jind to Sonipat is the world’s most powerful train,” he asserted.
Calling it a matter of pride for Haryana and the country, he said, “Names of Jind, Sonipat and Haryana will come up whenever there is mention of hydrogen train, I congratulate the entire country.”
Modi also recalled his long association with Jind, saying, “I cannot forget the love I have got.”
Referring to local culture, he remarked, “Jind’s ‘ghee’ and ‘ghevar’ have not changed in years but its ‘tevar’ (attitude) has,” adding that the district was emerging as a model of the BJP’s governance.
Remarks on energy security
Referring to the conflict in West Asia, Modi said India imports large quantities of petrol, diesel, LPG and fertilisers through the Strait of Hormuz, which has remained affected by tensions in recent months.
“Despite the war and oil crisis, India’s railways and the country’s development vehicle has not stalled,” he said.
“If this situation had arisen before 2014, the work of India’s railways would have come to a complete standstill,” he asserted.
India has already electrified nearly its entire 70,000-km broad-gauge railway network as part of its broader goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions for Indian Railways by 2030. The launch of the hydrogen-powered train is expected to further strengthen the country’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable rail transport.
Agencies
PM Modi flags off India’s first hydrogen-powered train in Haryana
