HYDROGEN TRAINS:FUTURE ENERGY AND A QUESTION OF DEMOCRATIC DECORUM:DEVANAND SINGH

HYDROGEN TRAINS:FUTURE ENERGY AND A QUESTION OF DEMOCRATIC DECORUM:DEVANAND SINGH

18-JULY-ENG 16

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------While flagging off the country's first hydrogen train, Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again tried to convey the message that India is moving forward not only with the challenges of the present but keeping in mind the needs of the future. The hydrogen train is certainly an important step in the green energy journey of Indian Railways and the country. This initiative towards clean energy, modern technology and self-reliant India is welcome. But with this achievement, the Prime Minister's statement that “this Modi thinks first and also implements the solution to the problem” has also become a topic of political discussion.

Indian Railways has undergone large-scale electrification over the years. This has reduced the dependence on diesel and the future global oil crisis may have less impact than before. The importance of energy security increases amid international tensions like America-Iran. At such a time, electrification of railways and moving towards alternative energy like hydrogen can be considered a part of a visionary policy. This initiative of Indian Railways is commendable.

The hydrogen train is not only a technological achievement but also a positive sign towards environmental protection. By being among the selected countries of the world, India has shown that it has the ability to adopt and develop new technologies. If this technology is successful in the coming years, it will reduce pollution, reduce dependence on energy imports and strengthen the global identity of Indian engineering.

But in any democratic system, as important as credit for achievements is, humility is equally important. Government schemes are not the result of any single person, but the combined effort of scientists, engineers, railway employees, policy makers and crores of taxpayers. Therefore, presenting any national achievement only as the success of individual leadership cannot be considered a healthy democratic tradition.

The real test of the hydrogen train is yet to come. It will face many challenges like cost, fuel availability, maintenance, safety and large scale operation. Launches and announcements are inspiring, but the real measure of success will be how useful, reliable and affordable the technology proves to be for the masses.

Today India needs a development model that combines technological progress with transparency, accountability and inclusive thinking. The achievements of the government should be appreciated, but for their fair assessment the democratic tradition of criticism and asking questions is equally necessary.

Hydrogen train is a hope for the future of India. If this initiative is successful, future generations will consider it a milestone in the history of Indian Railways. But the biggest message of this achievement should be that the development of the nation is not the result of any one person, but of collective determination, scientific thinking and continuous efforts. This is the real strength of democracy.

Government schemes are not the result of any single person, but the combined effort of scientists, engineers, railway employees, policy makers and crores of taxpayers. Therefore, presenting any national achievement only as the success of individual leadership cannot be considered a healthy democratic tradition.