Bhubaneswar: The Indian Railways has achieved a historic milestone by developing the world’s most powerful hydrogen-powered train engine, announced Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology. Addressing a plenary session titled “Green Connections: Diaspora’s Contribution to Sustainable Development” at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Odisha, the minister revealed that the engine boasts an output of 1,200 horsepower, the highest in its category globally.
“Only four countries in the world have hydrogen-powered trains, and their engines generate between 500 to 600 horsepower. India’s indigenously developed engine surpasses them all,” Vaishnaw declared. He added that the first trial run of this groundbreaking locomotive is slated for the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana, with system integration currently underway.
This remarkable feat showcases India’s potential to lead the global transition to green energy. “The hydrogen-powered engine is a testament to our indigenous talent. It not only strengthens India’s technological capabilities but also offers opportunities to develop spin-off technologies for sectors like trucking and marine transportation,” the minister emphasized.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inaugurated the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas earlier in the day, shared his vision of a future where Indians travel on trains entirely manufactured within the country. Vaishnaw echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for India to achieve greater technological self-reliance across the value chain.
The plenary session also featured international voices on sustainable development. Hambyarajen Narasinghaen, Junior Minister of Foreign Affairs from Mauritius, spoke about his nation’s challenges with climate change and sought India’s collaboration in green technology solutions.
Other notable participants included Rahul Fotedar, Founder & CTO of Morrow Batteries, Norway; Jagdish Nainwal, CEO of UPL for LATAM, Mexico; Indronil Sengupta, Vietnam; Aditya Yellepeddi of the Swiss Biotech Association, Switzerland; Jitendra Kr. Sachdeva, Group President of SkipperSeil Ltd, Nigeria; Kishore Reddy; and Anju Virmani.
The hydrogen-powered engine’s unveiling underscores India’s commitment to green energy and sustainable development, aligning with the broader goals discussed at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. This annual event serves as a platform for the Indian diaspora to contribute to the country’s growth, with this year’s focus on fostering green connections and innovation.
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