India's first hydrogen trainset project on Jind-Sonipat route a major milestone: Haryana CM

Chandigarh, Jul 14 (PTI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday said the state is set to witness yet another significant milestone in the country's technological advancement and modern infrastructure, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to inaugurate India's first hydrogen trainset project on July 17. He said the project would not only propel Indian Railways towards a clean energy-based transportation system but also strengthen the national resolve to realise the vision of 'Viksit Bharat', 'Green India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. Saini said the Jind-Sonipat Hydrogen Trainset Project marks a historic achievement in the journey of Indian Railways. Through this initiative, India is taking a decisive step into hydrogen-powered rail transportation, a move that will have far-reaching implications for environmental conservation, energy efficiency and the development of a modern public transport system. He said the trainset, designed to run on the broad-gauge network, will be among the world's longest hydrogen-powered trains. It will comprise 10 coaches, including two driving power cars and eight passenger coaches. Equipped with a combined power output of nearly 2,400 kilowatts, the train represents a remarkable demonstration of Indian Railways' technological capabilities and advanced engineering expertise, he said, according to an official statement. Saini said the train has been entirely designed, manufactured and converted using indigenous technology, making it a significant achievement under the 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives. The project, he said, also showcases the exceptional capabilities of India's engineers and scientists. Saini said the project would significantly strengthen rail connectivity in Haryana, particularly in areas linked to the National Capital Region (NCR). Passengers will benefit from a modern, safe, clean and environmentally sustainable mode of public transport. Enhanced connectivity is also expected to boost industry, trade, investment, tourism and logistics, thereby providing fresh momentum to the state's economic growth, he said. Saini said the entire world is steadily moving towards clean energy-based transportation systems, and India is advancing rapidly in the same direction. He said that the hydrogen trainset project stands as a powerful symbol of this transformation. It will play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions, promoting the use of clean energy and ensuring a healthier environment for future generations, he said. The initiative will not only accelerate the modernisation of the Indian Railways but also give a new identity to green mobility in the country, serving as an inspiration for the future, Saini said. Notably, the country's first hydrogen-powered train will cover the 89-km distance between Jind and Sonipat in two hours, with stoppages at 12 intermediate stations. In May 2026, the Railway Board approved the introduction of the country's first hydrogen-powered 10-coach DEMU train, which uses hydrogen fuel cells instead of diesel to generate traction power. PTI SUN KSS KSS