PM Modi: Railway electrification averted crisis amid West Asia oil disruption

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Friday that India's development continued uninterrupted despite the ongoing conflict in West Asia, thanks to the near-complete electrification of the Indian Railways network over the past 12 years. He made the remarks while flagging off the country's first hydrogen-powered train between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana.

Mr. Modi noted that the West Asia conflict, which has affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, could have crippled the railways if the situation had arisen before 2014. At that time, he said, most trains ran on diesel, and a disruption in oil supplies would have brought rail services to a standstill. 'Had this taken place before 2014, the work of India's Railways would have come to a complete standstill,' he said.

The Prime Minister highlighted that railway electrification began in 1925, but only 30% of the network was electrified by 2014. In the subsequent 12 years, electrification has reached nearly 99% of the network, with Haryana achieving 100% electrification. He argued that at the previous pace, full electrification might have taken another 200 years.

Mr. Modi also mentioned recent visits to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand, where agreements were signed. He specifically noted discussions on sports cooperation, which he said would benefit Haryana's youth. He referred to a new National Sports Policy, 'Khelo Bharat Niti', and support for athletes through schemes like Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme. India is set to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030.

The hydrogen-powered train represents a step towards green mobility, the Prime Minister added, and underscores the government's focus on alternative energy sources.