By Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India’s extensive railway electrification has strengthened the country’s ability to deal with global energy disruptions, asserting that the rail network continued to function smoothly despite recent tensions in West Asia that affected international oil supply routes. He made the remarks while flagging off India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana.
Addressing a public gathering, the Prime Minister said the transformation of Indian Railways over the past decade has significantly reduced its dependence on diesel. He described the launch of the hydrogen-powered train as another milestone in India’s transition towards clean and sustainable transportation.
Referring to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Modi noted that India imports a substantial share of its petroleum products, LPG and fertilisers through the Strait of Hormuz. He said prolonged instability in the region had the potential to disrupt fuel supplies, but India’s railway operations remained unaffected because of the rapid electrification of the network.
The Prime Minister contrasted the present situation with the period before 2014, stating that a large portion of the railway system was then dependent on diesel-powered trains. According to him, any major interruption in diesel supplies during that period could have severely affected railway operations and slowed the country’s economic activity.
Highlighting the government’s infrastructure push, Modi said railway electrification, which began nearly a century ago, had covered only around 30 percent of the network by 2014. He claimed that in the past 12 years, electrification has expanded to nearly 99 percent of the national railway network, while Haryana has achieved complete railway electrification.
He said this transition has ensured uninterrupted train services even during periods of global uncertainty while also reducing fuel dependence and supporting India’s clean energy goals. The hydrogen-powered train, he added, represents the next phase of environmentally friendly transport technology in the country.
The Prime Minister also referred to his recent visits to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, saying the engagements resulted in several agreements across multiple sectors. He noted that discussions with Australia and New Zealand placed particular emphasis on sports cooperation, including athlete training, sports infrastructure and the growth of the sports industry.
According to Modi, the proposed collaborations are expected to create new opportunities for young athletes, particularly in states such as Haryana, which has produced several international sportspersons.
He further highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem through initiatives such as the Khelo Bharat Policy, the Khelo India programme and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). He said these initiatives are aimed at providing athletes with financial assistance, better training facilities and international exposure.
Encouraging young people to prepare for future international competitions, Modi said India will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and is also pursuing its bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games. He urged aspiring athletes to train with dedication and assured them that the government would continue expanding sports infrastructure and support systems to help them succeed.
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