Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train at the Jind railway station in Haryana. The train will run between Jind and Sonepat, marking a major step toward clean energy in Indian railways.
Alongside the train launch, the Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several road, rail, healthcare, and cultural projects. The total cost of all these projects is around Rs 15,000 crore.
Hydrogen Train: A Milestone for Green Railways
The hydrogen-powered train is the first of its kind in India. It runs on hydrogen fuel, which produces only water vapor as a byproduct, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to diesel trains.
According to Akashvani News, the Prime Minister flagged off the train from the Jind railway station. The launch is part of the government’s push to adopt green technology in the railway sector.
Delhi-Katra Expressway: Travel Time Cut to 6 Hours
One of the biggest projects launched is the 157.92 km, four-lane, fully access-controlled section of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. This Greenfield corridor was developed at a cost of around Rs 9,680 crore.
According to The Times of India, the expressway will reduce travel time between Delhi and Katra from about 14 hours to nearly six hours. Similarly, the Delhi-Amritsar journey will come down from eight hours to four hours.
This expressway is part of the larger 667-km Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, which aims to improve connectivity between the national capital and key religious and tourist destinations in the north.
Other Projects Launched in Haryana
Apart from the train and expressway, the Prime Minister also launched several other projects in the region. These include road and rail infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and a Sikh museum.
According to NDTV, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and launched development projects worth around Rs 14,700 crore at Eklavya Stadium in Jind.
The projects are expected to boost economic activity, improve public services, and create jobs in the region.
Our Take: A Step Forward for Green Transport and Connectivity
In our view, the launch of India’s first hydrogen train is a significant milestone. It shows that the government is serious about reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector. Hydrogen trains could be a game-changer for routes that are not electrified, offering a clean alternative to diesel.
The Delhi-Katra expressway is equally important. Cutting travel time from 14 hours to 6 hours will make travel easier for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine and for tourists heading to Jammu and Kashmir. Better roads also mean faster movement of goods, which helps the economy.
However, the success of these projects will depend on execution. Hydrogen trains need a reliable supply of green hydrogen, and expressways need proper maintenance. If done right, these projects could set a benchmark for future infrastructure in India.
