India Set to Lead in Semiconductor, Hydrogen-Powered Trains: Ashwini Vaishnaw
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveils major developments in India’s semiconductor and railway sectors.
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Central Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed on Thursday that India will unveil its first Made-in-India semiconductor chip by 2025. He shared that the country began its semiconductor program in 2022, with five major chipset plants currently under development.
During his speech at the Republic Plenary Summit 2025, Vaishnaw also announced that India will launch its first 1,200 horsepower hydrogen-powered train in May of this year. Additionally, Vaishnaw highlighted that India will soon become an exporter of the most advanced rail engines.
Regarding Artificial Intelligence, the minister declared that India is poised to be among the top 5 nations in AI and Deeptech by 2029.
Transforming Indian Railways
Vaishnaw detailed the ambitious plans for the future of Indian Railways, with a focus on five key areas:
Safety Improvements: Railway accidents, which once numbered around 170 per year, have now been reduced to just 40. The government aims to continue improving railway safety even further.
Expansion of Vande Bharat Trains: In the coming years, India will see the widespread deployment of Vande Bharat trains, Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, Amrit Bharat trains, and Namo Bharat trains.
Green Railways: India will become the greenest railway network in the world with the introduction of hydrogen-powered trains and other sustainable initiatives.
High-Speed Bullet Trains: Plans are in place for new high-speed, bullet train projects across India. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project is already in full swing, and similar projects will soon be undertaken in North, South, and Eastern India.
Advanced Locomotives and Export Potential: India is set to become a major manufacturer and exporter of railway equipment. The transformation will be similar to what has been achieved in electronics, technology, and defense equipment.
India's railways serve millions of passengers daily, and modernization remains a top priority to enhance speed, safety, and efficiency. These announcements demonstrate the government’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology and infrastructure advancements, ensuring that Indian Railways evolves into a world-class transportation system.
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