Editorial

Indian Railways’ trial of its first hydrogen-powered train is more than a technological experiment—it is a statement of intent. At a time when climate change, energy security, and sustainability dominate global policy debates, India’s move towards hydrogen traction signals a decisive shift in how public transport must evolve in the 21st century.

Railways have long been the backbone of India’s mobility and economic integration. Yet, despite large-scale electrification, a significant number of routes still depend on diesel locomotives, especially in non-electrified and heritage sections. Hydrogen-powered trains offer a clean alternative, emitting only water vapour while ensuring comparable performance. By embracing this technology, Indian Railways aligns itself with the nation’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Beyond environmental benefits, hydrogen trains address a strategic concern: energy independence. Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels. In a geopolitically uncertain world, this transition strengthens India’s energy security while fostering domestic innovation in fuel-cell technology, storage systems, and safety engineering.

However, optimism must be tempered with realism. Hydrogen infrastructure—production, storage, and refuelling—requires heavy investment and strict safety standards. Costs remain high, and large-scale deployment will demand coordinated efforts between the Railways, energy producers, and state governments. Without sustained policy support and financial planning, hydrogen rail could remain confined to pilot projects.

Yet, every transformation begins with a trial. India’s hydrogen train is not merely about running a locomotive on a new fuel; it is about redefining development itself—growth that is cleaner, smarter, and future-ready. If scaled wisely, this initiative can place Indian Railways at the forefront of global green transport and set an example for other sectors to follow.

The announcement of the Population Census 2027 (Houselisting phase), scheduled to run from April to September across all States and Union Territories, marks a quiet but crucial moment in India’s governance cycle. Often overshadowed by the population enumeration that follows, houselisting is the backbone of a credible census. It is here that the foundations of data-driven policymaking are laid—brick by brick, household by household.

Houselisting is not merely an administrative exercise of numbering buildings. It maps the physical and social infrastructure of the nation: housing conditions, access to drinking water, sanitation, electricity, cooking fuel, assets, and basic amenities. In a rapidly urbanising and demographically shifting India, this phase captures how people actually live, not just how many they are. Without accurate houselisting, population data risks being abstract and detached from ground realities.

The timing of Census 2027 carries added significance. India has gone through a prolonged census gap due to the pandemic, making the upcoming exercise the first comprehensive national snapshot in over a decade. During this period, internal migration has surged, urban sprawls have expanded, new towns have emerged, and rural livelihoods have transformed. Welfare schemes, electoral constituencies, infrastructure planning, and fiscal devolution all depend on updated and reliable data. Delays or inaccuracies would only deepen the mismatch between policy intent and social reality.

Importantly, the houselisting phase also reflects the growing role of technology in governance. Digital mapping, handheld devices, and real-time data validation promise efficiency and accuracy. However, technology must remain an enabler, not a barrier. Enumerators will need adequate training, language sensitivity, and local familiarity to ensure that vulnerable groups—migrants, informal settlers, homeless populations—are not left out or misclassified.

Public cooperation will be key. In an era of misinformation and data privacy concerns, building trust is essential. Citizens must see census officials not as intruders but as facilitators of better governance. Transparency about data use and strong safeguards against misuse will determine the credibility of the exercise.

Ultimately, the houselisting phase of Census 2027 is about more than statistics. It is about recognition—acknowledging every dwelling and, by extension, every life within it. A nation of India’s scale cannot be governed by assumptions or outdated numbers. By beginning the census process with careful, inclusive, and accurate houselisting, India takes a vital step towards planning its future on the firm ground of facts rather than approximations.

• SAS Kirmani