PM Modi launches India’s first hydrogen train, inaugurates ₹14,700 crore projects in Haryana

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation development projects worth around ₹14,700 crore in Haryana, including the launch of India’s first hydrogen-powered train, describing it as a landmark in the country’s transition towards next-generation green mobility.

Addressing a public gathering in Jind, the Prime Minister said the launch of the hydrogen train had permanently etched Haryana’s name in the country’s history. He said hydrogen technology represents the future of rail transportation and marks a significant step in the modernisation of Indian Railways.

Modi said the train, which will operate on the 90-km Jind-Sonipat route, is the world’s most powerful hydrogen train with a 3,200-horsepower engine and ten coaches. He noted that while other countries currently operate hydrogen trains with three or four coaches, India has demonstrated its capability by deploying a full ten-coach train in its first rollout.

Calling the project a major achievement under the Make in India initiative, the Prime Minister said the hydrogen train has been designed by Indian engineers and manufactured domestically. He added that the specialised infrastructure required for hydrogen operations would create new industrial opportunities and generate employment, particularly for the youth of Haryana.

The Prime Minister also dedicated railway, highway, healthcare and cultural infrastructure projects across the state. These include the Pandit Neki Ram Sharma Medical College in Bhiwani, Maharishi Chyavan Medical College and Rao Tularam Hospital in Narnaul, besides major road connectivity projects such as the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway section, the Jind-Gohana National Highway and the Ambala-Kala Amb four-lane highway.

Highlighting the importance of transport infrastructure, Modi said Haryana is now connected through an expanding network of highways that will improve market access for farmers, strengthen industries, promote tourism and generate employment. He added that enhanced rail electrification has also improved India’s energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the government’s focus on sports development, referring to the National Sports Policy and Khelo Bharat initiative. He said India is preparing to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and is pursuing its bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, while assuring athletes of continued government support through programmes such as Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

Reiterating the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare, Modi said over ₹8,000 crore has been transferred to farmers in Haryana under the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi, including more than ₹600 crore to beneficiaries in Jind district. He also announced the foundation stone for a Sikh Museum in Kurukshetra to preserve and promote the country’s cultural and spiritual heritage.