India's First LNG-Powered Train Rolled Out in Gujarat
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched railway development projects worth Rs 1,472 crore in Gujarat, including India's first LNG-powered train. The dual-fuel train will reduce diesel use by nearly 40% and lower emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
The train's engines can switch between diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as needed, with LNG stored in cryogenic tanks. Field trials have covered over 2,000 km, with officials estimating yearly fuel savings of about Rs 11.9 lakh per power car and nearly Rs 23.9 lakh for an eight-coach train.
The launch is part of Indian Railways' push to reduce diesel use by 2030, with the goal of reaching zero consumption. The network is now 99.6% electrified, up from about 30% before 2014.