PM Modi Flags Off India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train, Launches ₹12,470 Crore Infrastructure Push in Haryana

Jind (Haryana), July 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated India’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered train, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition towards clean and sustainable transportation. The historic launch, coupled with the inauguration and foundation laying of infrastructure projects worth over ₹12,470 crore in Haryana, underscored the government’s commitment to green mobility, modern connectivity and regional development.

The hydrogen-powered train, flagged off from Jind, will operate between Jind and Sonipat, covering the 90-kilometre stretch in nearly two hours. The 10-coach train is powered by a 3,200-horsepower hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, making it one of the most powerful hydrogen-powered trainsets currently in operation anywhere in the world.

Unlike conventional diesel-powered locomotives, the train generates electricity onboard using hydrogen fuel cells and emits only water vapour, making it one of the cleanest forms of rail transport available. The project has been designed, developed and assembled using indigenous technology, placing India among a select group of nations that have successfully introduced hydrogen-powered railways.

The launch represents another landmark in the evolution of Indian Railways, which has progressively transitioned from steam locomotives to diesel engines, followed by large-scale electrification, and is now embracing hydrogen-based clean energy. Over the past decade, Indian Railways has rapidly expanded electrification across its network, significantly reducing dependence on imported diesel and lowering carbon emissions. The introduction of hydrogen-powered trains is expected to further strengthen India’s commitment to achieving sustainable transportation while supporting its net-zero ambitions.

Besides unveiling the country’s first hydrogen train, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several major highway and railway projects aimed at enhancing connectivity, reducing travel time and stimulating economic activity across northern India.

Among the flagship projects dedicated to the nation was the 157.92-kilometre four-lane fully access-controlled Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, covering Packages 1 to 5 and built at an investment of approximately ₹9,680 crore. The expressway forms part of the ambitious 667-kilometre Delhi-Amritsar-Katra corridor, which is expected to transform travel across northern India.

Once fully operational, the corridor will reduce travel time between Delhi and Katra from nearly 14 hours to around six hours, while the journey between Delhi and Amritsar will be shortened from approximately eight hours to just four hours. Apart from easing congestion on the heavily trafficked NH-44 (GT Road), the expressway is expected to boost pilgrimage to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, promote tourism, strengthen logistics networks and accelerate industrial development along the route.

The Prime Minister also dedicated the 33.81-kilometre Ambala-Kala Amb Highway, a four-lane partially access-controlled project developed on NH-7 and NH-344. The upgraded highway will significantly improve connectivity between Haryana and Himachal Pradesh by linking the Ambala urban region with the Kala Amb industrial belt. The improved road infrastructure is expected to reduce logistics costs for industries, facilitate smoother movement of goods and encourage tourism to the hill states.

Another major project inaugurated was the 40.60-kilometre Jind-Gohana Greenfield Highway on NH-352A. The new corridor will reduce travel time between Jind and Gohana from nearly two hours to just 40 minutes, providing a major boost to passenger traffic, freight movement and agricultural transport in one of Haryana’s key farming regions. The highway will also strengthen connectivity with Rohtak, Panipat and the Delhi-NCR region.

Further expanding Haryana’s road network, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the 24.27-kilometre Hansi-Barwala Brownfield Highway Project, which will upgrade the existing road into a modern two/four-lane carriageway with paved shoulders, improving safety and transport efficiency.

In the rail sector, the Prime Minister dedicated the Elevated Railway Track in Kurukshetra, a major urban infrastructure project designed to eliminate long-standing traffic bottlenecks at railway crossings. The elevated corridor is expected to improve road safety, facilitate smoother vehicular movement and enhance operational efficiency for both rail and road transport.

Healthcare infrastructure also received a major boost with the inauguration of Pandit Neki Ram Sharma Government Medical College in Bhiwani, Maharishi Chyawan Medical College, and Rao Tula Ram Hospital at Koriawas in Narnaul. These institutions are expected to significantly expand access to quality medical education and healthcare services across Haryana by increasing MBBS seats, strengthening specialist healthcare availability and bringing advanced medical facilities closer to residents.

Adding a cultural dimension to the day’s development initiatives, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a Sikh Museum in Kurukshetra. The museum will use modern technology to showcase the history of Sikhism, the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, and the immense contributions of the Sikh community to India’s civilisation. It will also highlight the courage, sacrifices and rich cultural heritage of Sikh traditions for future generations.

With the launch of India’s first hydrogen-powered train and a series of transformative infrastructure projects spanning transport, healthcare and cultural heritage, the Centre reinforced its focus on sustainable development, modern connectivity and inclusive growth, positioning Haryana as a key beneficiary of India’s expanding infrastructure and green mobility revolution.

Team Maverick.