Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth around ₹14,700 crore in Haryana’s Jind, describing the occasion as a historic milestone for the state and the country. The projects span railways, highways, healthcare and cultural infrastructure, with the highlight being the launch of India’s first hydrogen-powered train.
Addressing a public gathering, the Prime Minister said Jind had permanently secured its place in history with the launch of the country’s first hydrogen-powered train.
“Today, Jind and Haryana have permanently etched their names in the pages of history. From here today, the nation has been gifted its first Hydrogen Train. I congratulate all of you and the entire country for this momentous step related to the deep modernization of Indian Railways,” he said.
Recalling his long association with the region, PM Modi praised Jind’s historical, cultural and spiritual significance.
“This is no ordinary land; it is a profound land of history, bravery, religion, and immense pride,” he said, while fondly remembering his early visits to the city and the affection he received from the people, along with local delicacies such as Murrah buffalo dairy products, desi bura and ghevar.
Highlighting Haryana’s development trajectory, the Prime Minister said the state had embarked on a new path of progress in recent years.
“Today’s program is filling this exact mission of the government with completely new energy,” he said.
Besides launching the hydrogen-powered train, PM Modi dedicated and laid the foundation stone for projects worth over ₹14,000 crore, including railway, highway, healthcare and cultural infrastructure. He also dedicated Pandit Neki Ram Sharma Government Medical College in Bhiwani and Maharishi Chyavan Medical College along with Rao Tularam Hospital in Narnaul to the nation.
“These new institutions will make the healthcare services of Haryana even more empowered and highly accessible,” PM Modi said.
He also appreciated residents for participating in cleanliness drives ahead of the event.
“We must systematically make cleanliness an integral part of our everyday lives in this exact manner,” the Prime Minister said.
Hydrogen train marks India’s entry into next-generation rail mobility
Calling hydrogen the fuel of the future, PM Modi said the railway sector had witnessed three distinct technological phases.
“The 19th century was fundamentally defined by steam engines while the 20th century was defined by electrical power. The 21st century will be driven by hydrogen mobility. Today, Indian Railways has taken a massive leap in this 21st-century technology, which holds immense potential for future expansion,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that hydrogen-powered rail technology had emerged globally only seven to eight years ago and was still being adopted by only a handful of countries.
“You will be immensely proud to hear about the true capabilities of this newly launched Indian hydrogen train,” he said.
Sharing details of the train, PM Modi said it was the most powerful hydrogen-powered train in the world, equipped with a 3,200-horsepower propulsion system and 10 coaches.
“India has successfully demonstrated its prowess by running a hydrogen train with ten full coaches straightaway,” he said, adding that many international hydrogen trains currently operate with only three or four coaches.
The Prime Minister described the train as a major success of the Make in India initiative.
“This is a highly successful and proud example of the Make in India initiative,” he said, crediting Indian engineers and domestic manufacturers for designing and developing the train entirely within the country.
PM Modi added that hydrogen-powered railways would require dedicated infrastructure and new industrial ecosystems.
“This advanced train network is absolutely guaranteed to create numerous new employment opportunities for the youth of Haryana,” he said.
Electrification has strengthened India’s energy security: PM
Referring to ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, PM Modi said India’s rapid railway electrification had reduced dependence on imported diesel and insulated rail operations from global fuel disruptions.
“Through this vital maritime route, India imports a massive quantity of essential fuels and agricultural inputs,” he said while referring to international shipping routes.
The Prime Minister said that before 2014, heavy dependence on diesel would have severely affected railway operations during global fuel crises.
“Because of complete electrification, our trains continued to run completely uninterrupted despite the severe global oil crisis,” he said.
PM Modi noted that while only about 30 per cent of the railway network had been electrified between 1925 and 2014, nearly 99 per cent of the national rail network and 100 per cent of Haryana’s railway tracks had now been electrified.
Highway projects to boost connectivity and growth
The Prime Minister said improved road and rail connectivity would accelerate economic development alongside improving public convenience.
“Such expansive connectivity work provides immense comfort while heavily multiplying the speed of overall development,” he said.
PM Modi inaugurated the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway section, the Jind-Gohana National Highway, and the Ambala-Kala Amb four-lane highway, among other road projects.
He noted that Jind was now connected through five national highways, which would improve market access for farmers and livestock breeders while boosting industry and tourism.
“This robust connectivity will actively empower industries, give wings to tourism, and create new employment on a massive scale,” the Prime Minister said.
Sports sector receiving unprecedented support
Speaking about sports, PM Modi said his recent visits to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand had included discussions on expanding international cooperation in sports.
“There is one specific subject heavily linked to the youth of Haryana that has not been discussed as much, and that is sports,” he said.
The Prime Minister said India would collaborate with several countries to strengthen the sports industry and athlete training.
“By working together with these nations, we are going to accomplish significant work in the sports industry in the coming times,” he said.
Highlighting government initiatives, PM Modi referred to the National Sports Policy, Khelo Bharat Niti, Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
“The state government here is also providing tremendous, continuous encouragement to sports and our dedicated athletes,” he said.
The Prime Minister also reiterated India’s preparations to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, its bid for the 2036 Olympic Games, and the World Police and Fire Games in Ahmedabad.
“I assure you that the government will completely provide you with every necessary facility for your rigorous preparation,” he told young athletes.
Welfare of farmers and preservation of heritage
Praising Haryana’s governance model, PM Modi lauded the state government’s emphasis on transparent recruitment and inclusive development.
He also highlighted financial assistance provided to farmers through the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi.
“Over 600 crore rupees have already been directly transferred to our hardworking farmers here in Jind alone,” the Prime Minister said, adding that farmers across Haryana had received nearly ₹8,000 crore under the scheme.
PM Modi also underlined Haryana’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, referring to the legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Pandavas, and other historic sites.
“This is the exact glorious heritage of faith and spirituality that modern India actively preserves today,” he said.
To preserve and showcase that legacy, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of a Sikh Museum in Kurukshetra.
“This new museum will successfully and proudly transmit the great Guru tradition of India to our upcoming generations,” he said.
Concluding his address, PM Modi expressed confidence that Haryana’s rapid progress would strengthen India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.
“This rapid development of Haryana will undoubtedly and powerfully energize our ongoing journey toward a fully developed India,” he said.
