Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train from Jind, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to promote green transportation, indigenous technology and sustainable development.
The launch places Haryana at the forefront of India’s green mobility initiative and marks a new chapter in the history of Indian Railways. Powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology, the train offers a cleaner alternative to conventional diesel-powered trains by reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
The hydrogen train project is expected to promote clean energy-based transportation, encourage green innovation in the railway sector and strengthen the country’s goals of energy self-sufficiency. The initiative also aligns with the vision of Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Green India and Viksit Bharat 2047.
Addressing a public meeting in Jind after the flag-off ceremony, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described the launch as a historic achievement in India’s railway history. He said the initiative reflects the country’s growing capabilities in railway innovation, clean energy and technological self-reliance.
Vaishnaw said India has now joined a select group of nations that have developed the complete technological ecosystem required for hydrogen-powered trains. He highlighted the hydrogen production plant established in Jind, which produces hydrogen from water through electrolysis, generating clean energy without harmful emissions.
He said the development of hydrogen-powered rail technology demonstrates the government’s commitment to adopting modern and advanced technologies for railway operations. According to the minister, the project will play a key role in strengthening environmentally friendly transportation in the country.
Highlighting the transformation of Indian Railways over the past decade, Vaishnaw said the introduction of Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains, large-scale station redevelopment, modernization of railway tracks and the adoption of hydrogen technology reflect the government’s vision of building a modern, safe and world-class railway network.
Referring to railway development in Haryana, the Railway Minister said the state has witnessed record investment in the sector. He claimed that while Haryana received around Rs. 315 crore for railway projects during the previous Congress government, the allocation has now increased to nearly Rs. 3,500 crore.
He said railway infrastructure projects worth around Rs. 18,000 crore are currently under implementation in Haryana. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 34 railway stations are being redeveloped with modern facilities, and work on five stations has already been completed.
Vaishnaw said the hydrogen train initiative is not merely the launch of a new service but a major step towards clean energy, green growth and technological self-reliance that will enhance the global stature of Indian Railways.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi also addressed a large public gathering in Jind after inaugurating the hydrogen-powered train.
Welcoming the Prime Minister, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini described him as a symbol of the hopes and aspirations of 140 crore Indians and the architect of a developed India. He thanked the Prime Minister for dedicating nine development projects worth Rs. 14,721 crore to Haryana.
Saini said the country has witnessed unprecedented development over the past 12 years under Modi’s leadership, with rapid progress in infrastructure, railways, roads, expressways, metro networks, healthcare, education and digital systems.
He said Haryana has received more than Rs. 7 lakh crore through various Central government schemes during the past 12 years, resulting in significant expansion of highways, railways, metro connectivity, healthcare institutions and other infrastructure.
The Chief Minister said this was the Prime Minister’s 18th visit to Haryana during his tenure and noted that Modi had previously dedicated projects worth more than Rs. 71,000 crore to the state. He expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated projects would further accelerate Haryana’s development.
Saini also claimed that Haryana is the first state in the country to procure all crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). He said the state government has set a target to strengthen all canals more than 20 years old by 2031 and is also undertaking the revival of 450 reservoirs. He added that the government has fulfilled 66 of the 217 promises made during the Assembly elections and is working to complete the remaining commitments within the stipulated timeframe.
