Northern Railway is likely to announce the start date for commercial operations of the country’s first hydrogen-powered train soon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the train on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana on Friday. Route and Timings According to a Railway Board note sent to Northern Railway on July 8, hydrogen train No. 74010 will run from Jind at 7:40 am and reach Sonipat at 9:40 am during regular service. It will stop at 12 stations in between: Jind City, Pandu Pindara, Lalit Khera, Bhambeva, Ishapur Kheri, Butana, Khandrai, Gohana, Rabhra, Lath, Mohana Haryana and Barwasni. Officials said the 89-km Jind-Sonipat section already has 6 pairs of local trains that meet current passenger demand. So a delay in the hydrogen train launch will not affect commuters. Fare and Speed There’s no official word on ticket prices yet, but officials expect them to be similar to existing local trains on the route. Current fares range from ₹10 to ₹35 depending on distance. The hydrogen train will run at a maximum speed of 75 kmph due to new technology. Other trains on the section go up to 110 kmph. Launch and Public Reaction The inaugural run started around 11 am on Friday after PM Modi flagged it off. The 10-coach train travelled from Jind to Sonipat with school students, journalists, locals and railway staff onboard. Passengers liked the blue exterior, roomy coaches and smooth ride. But some complained about the seat covers. “My white pants got blue stains on the back after sitting for 30 minutes,” one passenger said. Journalists in coaches C5 and C6 reported the same issue. A senior railway official said, “We will check the complaints and fix it.” What locals are saying People welcomed the launch as India’s first trial of green hydrogen rail technology. At the same time, they asked Railways to add more inter-state trains for medium and long routes. “The hydrogen train is a big step for innovation and we’re proud PM Modi launched it in Haryana. But we also need more trains to cities like Lucknow, Patna and Mumbai,” a local resident said. He added that for 50-100 km travel there are other options, but trains remain the cheapest. Post navigation CBI Nabs KAPL Head In Bengaluru Over Alleged Bribe Demand
