Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai.Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana, marking the country's entry into an exclusive club of nations using hydrogen fuel technology for rail transport. With the launch, India has become the fifth country after Germany, France, Sweden and China to operate a hydrogen train. The Prime Minister described it as the world's longest and most powerful hydrogen train, saying it reflects India's growing technological capabilities and self-reliance.
The 10-coach train will cover the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route through 14 stations at a maximum speed of 75 kmph, completing the journey in nearly two hours. Railway officials have kept passenger fares between Rs 5 and Rs 25, making the service affordable while introducing clean energy technology to Indian Railways. Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for eight development projects in Haryana, including an elevated railway track and two medical colleges.
Hydrogen train built by Indian engineers
Addressing a gathering after flagging off the train, Modi said the entire project had been designed by Indian engineers and manufactured by an Indian company. He said the hydrogen train has an installed power of 3,200 horsepower, making it the world's most powerful hydrogen-powered train.
He said the current service covers nearly 90 km but has significant scope for expansion in the future as research continues to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Key features of the hydrogen train include:
- Operates on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route
- Covers 14 railway stations
- Maximum speed of 75 kmph
- Journey time of around two hours
- Fare ranges from Rs 5 to Rs 25
- Travels up to 356 km after a single hydrogen refill
- Powered by a 3,200-horsepower hydrogen propulsion system
Railways moving beyond diesel dependence
Highlighting India's railway transformation, Modi said the country's dependence on diesel-powered trains has reduced sharply due to rapid electrification over the past decade. He noted that railway electrification, which began in 1925, had covered only about 30 per cent of the network by 2014. At that pace, complete electrification would have taken another two centuries.
He said nearly 99 per cent of the railway network has now been electrified in the last 12 years, ensuring that train services remain largely unaffected even if global fuel supplies face disruptions. Referring to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, Modi said any conflict affecting petroleum supplies can influence India, but the country's railway system is now far better prepared than before.
Hydrogen technology opens new possibilities
The Prime Minister said only a handful of countries currently possess hydrogen train technology and most of them are still in the early stages of deployment. He said India's achievement demonstrates its growing capability in advanced transport technologies and clean energy innovation.
He also expressed confidence that the launch would encourage industrial growth around Jind, with improved infrastructure attracting more investment and companies to the region.
Other major announcements during the visit:
- Inauguration and foundation laying of eight development projects
- Elevated railway track inaugurated
- Two new medical colleges announced
- Push for infrastructure-led growth in Haryana
- Greater industrial opportunities expected around Jind
Sports partnerships and future growth
Modi also referred to his recent visits to Indonesia, New Zealand and Australia, saying India has entered into new partnerships in the sports sector. He said the collaborations will focus on sports industry development, athlete training and related areas, adding that Haryana's young sportspersons are expected to benefit significantly.
He said the Centre's sports initiatives, including the Khelo India programme and the National Sports Policy, along with Haryana's continued support for athletes, would further strengthen India's sporting ecosystem. The launch of the country's first hydrogen train, he added, represents another step towards building a cleaner, technologically advanced and future-ready India.
