New Delhi: Excitement gripped Haryana’s Jind as residents welcomed the launch of India’s first hydrogen-powered train, with the train decorated with flowers and balloons ahead of its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.
The hydrogen train will operate on the Jind-Sonipat route, marking a major milestone in India’s efforts towards cleaner and more sustainable rail transportation. Locals gathered to celebrate the occasion, describing the launch as a historic development that would improve connectivity, save travel time and support the growth of the region.
Expressing happiness over the new service, a local resident said, “We are extremely happy. A train service will now operate from our area, which will save time and reduce the difficulties faced by the public. The fare is also reasonable. We hope for a medical college here, and I believe the Prime Minister will definitely provide that soon.”
Another resident highlighted the historic importance of the project, saying, “For the first time, a hydrogen train is running in our Jind. This will be written in history. There is a festive atmosphere here, and it is a matter of great happiness. The fare is also normal.”
A third local resident said the new train would benefit people and contribute to the development of Jind. “This will benefit people greatly. It will play an important role in the progress of Jind. The Prime Minister should keep visiting here. One thing is that this train should be extended from Jind to Panipat because there are not as many passengers on the Sonipat route.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off India’s first hydrogen-powered train from Jind, marking the country’s entry into a select group of nations exploring hydrogen technology for cleaner rail transportation.
The hydrogen train, running between Jind and Sonipat, represents Indian Railways’ focus on innovation, energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable transport. The project aligns with India’s broader clean energy objectives and its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
The Jind-Sonipat section has been selected as the pilot route for hydrogen-powered train operations. An indigenous hydrogen storage and refuelling facility has been established at Jind for the train set, while the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has issued the required licence for storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas at the facility.
With this launch, India joins a select group of countries, including Germany, Japan, China and the United States, that are developing or testing hydrogen-powered rail systems. As the technology remains at an early stage, only a limited number of countries currently operate or trial hydrogen-based trains.
(IANS)
