Had West Asia conflict erupted before 2014, Indian Railways would have come to a halt: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India’s railway network would have faced a complete shutdown if the ongoing conflict in West Asia had occurred before 2014, arguing that the country was then heavily dependent on diesel-powered trains. He credited the near-complete electrification of Indian Railways under his government with shielding rail operations from disruptions in global fuel supplies.

Speaking after flagging off India’s first hydrogen-powered train connecting Jind and Sonipat in Haryana, Modi said the transformation of Indian Railways over the past 12 years has strengthened the country's transport network while advancing its green mobility goals.

Referring to the conflict in West Asia, the prime minister said the region around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for India's imports of crude oil, diesel, LPG and fertilisers, has remained affected by hostilities for several months. He said that if such a situation had emerged before 2014, India would have struggled to keep its railway services running because a large portion of trains relied on diesel.

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According to Modi, any disruption in diesel supplies at that time could have triggered a nationwide transport crisis. He said the present situation is different because of the extensive electrification carried out under his government's tenure, which has reduced dependence on imported fuel.

Railway electrification transformed network, says PM

The prime minister said electrification of Indian Railways began in 1925, almost 100 years ago but in the nine decades from then to 2014 only 30 per cent of the country’s railway network was electrified.

”The remaining 70 per cent depended on diesel. At the pace at which only 30 per cent was completed in those 90 years, it would have taken another 200 years to achieve full electrification. Indian Railways might never have been fully electrified and would have continued to rely on diesel,” he said.

But in the past 12 years, nearly 99 per cent of India’s railway network has been electrified and in Haryana, the railway network has been electrified 100 per cent, he said.

”As a result, despite the war and the resulting oil supply crisis, India’s railways did not come to a halt. The country’s development did not come to a standstill. Trains continued to run without interruption,” he said.

Modi also spoke about his recent visits to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand and stated that India signed several agreements during these visits, which received widespread attention.

”However, one important subject did not receive as much discussion. It concerns the youth of our country, especially the youth of Haryana, and that is sports,” said Modi.

The prime minister said he held extensive discussions with the governments of Australia and New Zealand on the matter.

”In the coming years, we will work closely with both countries in areas such as the sports industry, athlete training, and several other related fields. This collaboration will greatly benefit the youth of Haryana,” he said.

He said today sports in India are being promoted as a major avenue for fitness and employment.

”Our government has introduced a new National Sports Policy, ’Khelo Bharat Niti’. From the Khelo India campaign to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, athletes today are receiving unprecedented support. They are being provided with substantial financial assistance. Here in Haryana too, the BJP government is strongly encouraging sports and supporting athletes,” said Modi.

He said though today’s programme was about the hydrogen train and other development projects, he also wants to say something to the youth gathered here.

”You all know that India will host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, and our country is also trying that 2036 Olympic Games take place in India,” he said, adding athletes must prepare with full dedication and determination.

”I assure you that the BJP’s double-engine government will provide every possible facility to help them succeed,” he said.

With inputs from agencies