In what would be a major push for green mobility and infrastructure modernisation, Haryana Assembly Deputy Speaker Krishan Middha has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the state
on July 17 to flag off India’s first hydrogen-powered train from Jind. The landmark launch headlines a massive development blitz across the state, featuring a package of railway, highway, healthcare, and cultural projects worth thousands of crores of rupees.
The launch would mark a historic shift for the Indian Railways as it transitions towards low-emission, sustainable transport alternatives. The public address and launch event in Jind are being designed as eco-friendly programmes, emphasising fuel conservation and environmental sustainability.
India’s First Hydrogen Train: Key Facts
The indigenously developed train will operate on the 90-kilometre Jind–Sonipat broad gauge corridor. Developed under specifications laid down by the Research, Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO), the project positions India within an elite global club of nations utilising hydrogen traction technology.
- Configuration: The 10-coach trainset comprises two driving power cars rated at 1,200 kW each—delivering a combined output of 2,400 kW—and eight passenger coaches, making it the world’s longest hydrogen train on broad gauge.
- Speed Limits: The Railway Board has sanctioned an initial operational speed of up to 75 kmph for the pilot phase on the Jind–Sonipat section.
- Environmental Impact: The propulsion system uses a hybrid model combining hydrogen fuel cells with lithium-ion batteries. It produces zero carbon dioxide emissions, discharging only water vapour and steam.
- Efficiency: One kilogram of hydrogen delivers an energy output equivalent to approximately 4.5 litres of diesel. A complete 180-kilometre round trip will consume about 360 kilograms of hydrogen.
To support daily operations, a dedicated hydrogen production and refuelling facility has been set up at Jind junction at an estimated cost of Rs 120 crore. The 2,000-square-metre plant features an underground storage network capable of holding 3,000 kilograms of hydrogen. The facility requires 40,000 litres of water per hour, which will be partially sustained via rainwater harvesting systems installed on station rooftops.
Mega Infrastructure Blueprint for Haryana
Beyond the green energy rail rollout, the Prime Minister’s visit will see the inauguration and foundation-stone laying of several high-value regional connectivity and welfare projects.
Rail and Road Decongestion
A major highlight is the dedication of a 5.84-kilometre elevated railway track at Kurukshetra, built at a cost of approximately Rs 350 crore. This engineering project is designed to eliminate critical bottleneck railway crossings, significantly easing urban traffic gridlock.
The road network will receive a major upgrade with the opening of the Ambala–Kala Amb Greenfield four-lane corridor, the Haryana section of the Delhi–Katra Expressway, and the newly upgraded Jind–Gohana National Highway (NH-352A). Additionally, foundation stones will be laid for the Hansi–Barwala four-lane project and the Bikaner–Siwani–Sonipat highway connectivity works.
Healthcare and Heritage
The medical infrastructure in southern Haryana will receive a boost with the inauguration of two new medical colleges located at Bhiwani and Narnaul, aimed at expanding tertiary healthcare and medical education.
To promote religious and heritage tourism, the foundation stone will also be laid for a state-of-the-art Sikh Museum in Kurukshetra. The facility will feature a modern digital library, a light-and-sound show, and virtual galleries dedicated to the lives and teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus.
