India's First LNG-Powered Train Chugs Out of Ahmedabad

Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off India's first LNG-powered train from Sabarmati Railway Station in Ahmedabad, marking a significant shift towards cleaner and more efficient rail transportation. The train is equipped with a dual-fuel system that allows up to 40% of diesel to be replaced by liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The WAG-12 locomotive maintenance shed at Sabarmati has been built at a cost of Rs 700 crore and will house around 300 trains, each with a capacity of 12,000 horsepower. This will increase the country's freight capacity and give rail transportation a new boost.

According to Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Ved Prakash, the LNG storage system allows for approximately 950-1,000 kg of usable LNG per tank, which is sufficient for daily operations over a distance of around 222 km. The aim is to reduce the need for frequent refilling.

The automatic signalling systems have been inaugurated on several sections, including Sabarmati-Kalol-Motigau and Sabarmati-Sanand-Jakhwada, while Shah also inaugurated the newly renovated Sabarmati Station with modern facilities.