India Unveils First LNG-Powered Train Amid Efforts to Reduce Diesel Dependence
India is set to launch its first LNG-powered train today at Sabarmati Railway Station, marking a significant step towards making railway operations more cost-efficient and reducing dependence on conventional diesel fuel. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will flag off the train.
The project focuses on increasing the use of alternative energy sources in railway operations. For the first time in Indian Railways, a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-based fuel system has been successfully introduced in the train's Driving Power Cars (DPCs).
The new technology allows the same engine to run on both LNG and diesel. Under the project, two 1400-horsepower DPCs have been converted to an LNG dual-fuel system. Both modified DPCs have completed successful field trials covering over 2000 kilometres.