India Unveils First LNG-Powered Train Amid Railway Expansion Plans

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah flagged off India's first LNG-powered train in Gujarat, marking a significant step towards reducing diesel consumption and lowering emissions. The train uses a dual-fuel system that allows it to run on both diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The two 1,400 HP driving power cars at the Sabarmati Integrated Coaching Depot have been converted to operate on the dual-fuel system, with LNG expected to replace nearly 40% of diesel consumption. This initiative aims to reduce fuel costs while lowering emissions such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

Shah also laid the foundation stone for the Kavach automatic train protection system across 404 km of railway network in the Ahmedabad division. The project is estimated to cost around Rs 411 crore and will cover 157 km of the Ahmedabad-Palanpur section and 247 km of the Ahmedabad-Samakhiyali section.

The Kavach system is designed to prevent train collisions, control overspeeding, and reduce risks associated with human error. Additionally, an automatic block signalling system has been introduced across 122.57 km of railway sections between Sabarmati-Kalol-Bhandu Motidau and Sabarmati-Sanand-Jakhwada.

The WAG-12 locomotive maintenance shed at Sabarmati, built at an estimated cost of Rs 700 crore, will provide maintenance support for up to 300 WAG-12 electric locomotives. The Sabarmati-Sarkhej railway line doubling project is also underway, with a target completion date of March 2028.

The projects launched in Gujarat focus on improving capacity and reducing fuel consumption while emphasizing railway safety systems, infrastructure expansion, freight operations, and alternative-fuel technology.