Amit Shah Flags Off India's First LNG-Powered Train Amid Railway Projects Worth ₹1,542 Crore

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has launched India's first liquefied natural gas-powered train from Sabarmati Station. The event also marked the launch of railway projects worth over ₹1,542 crore.

The LNG-based fuel system was successfully adopted in the Driving Power Cars at Sabarmati Integrated Coaching Depot, with two 1,400-horsepower driving power cars converted into a diesel-LNG dual-fuel system. This allows the engine to use both LNG and diesel, providing operational flexibility.

The technology has undergone successful field trials, covering over 2,000 km to ensure safety and efficiency. Each Driving Power Car is equipped with an LNG tank with a capacity of around 2,200 litres, holding approximately 950-1,000 kg of usable LNG, which provides enough fuel for around 444 km of daily operation.

The initiative aims to reduce fuel costs and lower emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Additional projects include the inauguration of the WAG-12 Sabarmati locomotive maintenance shed, an automatic block signalling system on several sections, and the doubling of the Sabarmati-Sarkhej railway line.