India Launches First LNG-Powered Train as Railways Pushes for Cleaner Operations

Indian Railways has taken a significant step towards reducing its dependence on diesel fuel by launching India's first LNG-powered train from Sabarmati. The initiative, flagged off by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, aims to cut down on diesel use and lower fuel costs while promoting cleaner railway operations.

The train uses a dual-fuel system that allows it to run on both diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The system has been designed to retain the power and operational capability of the conventional diesel engine while enabling partial substitution of diesel with LNG. Each converted Driving Power Car carries an LNG tank with a capacity of around 2,200 litres, capable of holding approximately 850-900 kg of usable LNG.

The dual-fuel system has been tested for over 2,000 km and is expected to reduce fuel expenditure and emissions, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. The Railways estimates that the use of LNG can replace up to around 40 per cent of diesel consumption. This move is part of a series of railway projects inaugurated during HM Shah's visit to Ahmedabad, which includes projects worth over Rs 1,542 crore covering railway safety, signalling, line capacity, and freight infrastructure.