Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Haryana, Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh on Friday to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for multiple development projects. During the visit, he will flag off India's first hydrogen-powered train from Jind in Haryana.
The Prime Minister will launch infrastructure, transport, healthcare, education and railway projects worth more than ₹26,800 crore across the three regions.
The visit will begin in Jind, where the Prime Minister will flag off the country's first hydrogen-powered train on the Jind–Sonipat rail section. Hydrogen fuel-based trains are considered more environmentally friendly than conventional diesel trains, as electricity is generated through hydrogen fuel cells, resulting in a significant reduction in carbon emissions. According to experts, the initiative could be an important step towards India's clean energy mission and net-zero emission goals.
With this project, India is moving towards joining the group of countries that have initiated the adoption of hydrogen technology in rail transport.
During his visit to Jind, the Prime Minister will participate in a programme at Eklavya Stadium, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for development projects worth approximately ₹14,700 crore. These projects include road, railway, energy, urban development and other public infrastructure works.
Following the programme, the Prime Minister is expected to address a public gathering, where he is likely to share his views on development initiatives and the government's priorities.
After the Haryana programme, the Prime Minister will travel to Chandigarh, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for projects worth around ₹6,600 crore. These projects include works related to the expansion of healthcare services, development of educational institutions and strengthening of road infrastructure. The government aims to provide modern public facilities in rapidly growing urban areas and improve connectivity for citizens.
The Prime Minister will then visit Jalandhar in Punjab to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for rail and road projects worth approximately ₹5,470 crore. The projects are intended to strengthen the state's transport network, improve logistics and support economic activity. Improved road and rail connectivity is expected to benefit industry, trade, agriculture and tourism.
In recent years, the Government of India has focused on clean energy-based transport, modernisation of the railway network and large-scale infrastructure development. The hydrogen train project is considered part of this broader strategy. According to experts, if hydrogen-based rail technology proves successful, it could be introduced on additional rail routes in the future, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and supporting environmental conservation efforts.
The launch of projects worth more than ₹26,800 crore across Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh during the Prime Minister's visit is considered significant for regional development. Investment in transport, healthcare, education and infrastructure is expected to support employment generation, improve public services and promote economic activity.
