The year 2023 has witnessed remarkable achievement in the world of transportation sector, as the global focus on sustainable solutions intensifies. With an increasing emphasis on reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly practices, the transportation sector has taken center stage with a series of groundbreaking developments.
Hydrogen and solar-powered vehicles have emerged as the frontrunners, showcasing their potential to revolutionize the way we travel while minimizing environmental impact. From hydrogen-powered trains crisscrossing China to solar-fueled ferries navigating Norway’s waters, these innovations underscore a pivotal shift towards cleaner, greener modes of transportation.
This article provides the latest currents affairs surrounding these milestones in the transportation sector, highlighting the transformative journey towards a more sustainable future.

This topic is important for the science and technology sector in the latest current affairs. The development of new technologies in the transport sector is often a topic of discussion in competitive exams. For example, the recent launch of Asia’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train in China is likely to be a popular question in exams. Similarly, the development of India’s first hydrogen-powered heavy-duty truck by Reliance Industries and Ashok Leyland is also likely to be a relevant topic.
Latest Development in Transportation Sector 2023 [January to July]
▪ Asia’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train launched in China. The train was developed by CRRC Corporation Ltd. and has a top speed of 160 km/h. It can travel 600 km on a single tank of hydrogen and produces no emissions.
▪ Union Minister Hardeep S. Puri inaugurates demo-run of methanol-powered vessel in Brahmaputra. The vessel, SB Gangadhar, is the first of its kind in India to be powered by methanol blended diesel (MD15). It is expected to reduce emissions by up to 20%.
▪ Reliance Industries and Ashok Leyland unveil India’s first hydrogen-powered heavy-duty truck. The truck is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell and has a range of up to 500 km. It is expected to help reduce emissions from the transportation sector.
▪ Garuda Aerospace unveils solar-powered unmanned reconnaissance aerial J-Glider – “SURAJ”. The J-Glider is a solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can be used for reconnaissance and surveillance missions. It has a flight time of up to 12 hours and can reach an altitude of up to 30,000 feet.
▪ AUKUS countries unveil plan to create a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. The AUKUS partnership is between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The new fleet of submarines is expected to be operational by the early 2030s.
▪ World’s first liquid hydrogen-powered ferry “MF Hydra” operationalized in Norway. The MF Hydra is a 16-passenger ferry that is powered by liquid hydrogen. It is the first of its kind in the world and is expected to reduce emissions by up to 50%.
▪ India’s first solar-powered tourist boat “Sooryamshu” launched in Kerala. The Sooryamshu is a 12-seater boat that is powered by solar panels. It is the first of its kind in Kerala and is expected to help promote eco-tourism in the state.
▪ India’s first hydrogen plant for hydrogen-powered trains being constructed in Haryana. The plant is being built by the Indian Oil Corporation and is expected to be operational by 2025. It will produce hydrogen for use in hydrogen-powered trains and other vehicles.
▪ Bharat Benz unveils India’s first intercity luxury concept coach powered by Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology in collaboration with Reliance Industries Limited (RIL). The coach is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell and has a range of up to 500 km. It is expected to be commercially available by 2025.
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