India Unveils First LNG-Powered Train in Gujarat Amid Push for Cleaner Railways

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently flagged off India's first LNG-powered train from Ahmedabad's Sabarmati Railway Station. The train, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), is expected to reduce fuel costs and lower emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

The government has converted two 1,400 HP driving power cars at the Sabarmati Integrated Coaching Depot into diesel-LNG dual fuel systems. LNG now replaces nearly 40 per cent of diesel consumption in these trains.

Speaking at the flagging-off ceremony, Shah noted that Indian Railways consumed 293 crore liters of diesel in 2015-26 but has since dropped to 108 crore in 2024-25. The government aims to bring this down to zero by 2030, thereby saving India's foreign exchange currency.

The launch of the LNG-powered train is an important step towards environmental conservation. Shah also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple projects, involving a total investment of Rs 1,472 crore.