The Impressive TimesJind (Haryana), July 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation development projects worth around ₹14,700 crore in Haryana, including the country’s first hydrogen-powered train, major road infrastructure, medical institutions and cultural projects. Addressing a large gathering in Jind, the Prime Minister described the day as a “historic moment” for both Haryana and the nation, saying the launch of the hydrogen train marked the beginning of a new era in India’s transportation sector.
Calling Jind a land of history, courage and spirituality, the Prime Minister said the district had permanently etched its name in the country’s history by becoming the starting point of India’s first hydrogen-powered train. He compared the milestone with the historic first train journey between Bombay and Thane, stating that future generations would remember the Jind-Sonipat hydrogen train corridor whenever India’s green mobility revolution was discussed.
The Prime Minister said the newly launched train represents the future of rail transportation and is among the most powerful hydrogen-powered trains in the world. With a capacity of 3,200 horsepower and ten coaches, the train surpasses similar hydrogen trains currently operating in several other countries, which generally have three or four coaches.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Modi said the hydrogen train is completely emission-free and serves as a successful example of the Make in India initiative. He noted that Indian engineers designed the technology while domestic manufacturers developed the train, demonstrating India’s growing technological capabilities in advanced transportation systems.
“The 19th century belonged to steam engines, the 20th century to electric trains, and the 21st century will belong to hydrogen-powered mobility,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the project would pave the way for cleaner and more sustainable railway transportation across the country.
Besides the hydrogen train, the Prime Minister dedicated and laid the foundation stone for several major infrastructure projects across Haryana. These include sections of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, the Jind-Gohana National Highway, and the Ambala-Kala Amb four-lane highway, aimed at improving connectivity and boosting economic activity in the region.
He said enhanced road and railway connectivity would reduce travel time, improve logistics, strengthen industries, facilitate tourism and provide farmers with better access to markets. Modi noted that Jind is now connected by five national highways, significantly improving transportation facilities for both agriculture and commerce.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated Pandit Neki Ram Sharma Medical College in Bhiwani and Maharishi Chyavan Medical College along with Rao Tularam Hospital in Narnaul. He said these institutions would expand healthcare services while creating new opportunities for medical education in Haryana.
Referring to global geopolitical developments, Modi said the recent tensions in West Asia had underscored the importance of reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. He stated that India’s near-complete railway electrification had insulated the country from disruptions caused by global fuel volatility. According to him, while only about 30 per cent of the railway network was electrified before 2014, nearly 99 per cent of the national railway network and all railway lines in Haryana have now been electrified.
The Prime Minister said hydrogen technology would further strengthen India’s energy security while contributing to the country’s environmental goals. He added that the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure would generate new employment opportunities, particularly for young engineers and technicians.
PM addressing at the foundation stone laying of various projects at Jind, in Haryana on July 17, 2026.
Highlighting the government’s focus on sports, Modi said India has adopted a new National Sports Policy, popularly known as the Khelo Bharat Policy, to transform sports into a major avenue for employment and international excellence. He said schemes such as Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) are providing athletes with unprecedented facilities and financial support.
He also referred to India’s preparations to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, the country’s bid for the 2036 Olympic Games, and the upcoming World Police and Fire Games in Ahmedabad, urging young athletes from Haryana to prepare for these international competitions.
On agriculture, the Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to farmers and said Haryana’s cultivators had received substantial financial assistance through the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. He noted that nearly ₹8,000 crore has been transferred to farmers across the state, including over ₹600 crore to beneficiaries in Jind district.
Emphasising the preservation of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, Modi also laid the foundation stone for a Sikh Museum in Kurukshetra, saying it would showcase the rich legacy of the Sikh Gurus and inspire future generations.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said Haryana continues to emerge as a major driver of India’s development through its strength in agriculture, industry, infrastructure and sports. He expressed confidence that the newly launched projects would accelerate the state’s progress while contributing significantly to the vision of a Viksit Bharat by strengthening connectivity, creating employment opportunities and promoting sustainable development.
No Comments: