India's First LNG Train Unveiled in Gujarat
India has taken a significant step towards reducing its carbon footprint by introducing liquefied natural gas (LNG) trains. The first LNG train in India, equipped with dual-fuel technology, was flagged off by Union Home & Cooperation Minister Amit Shah from Sabarmati. This innovative initiative marks a new chapter in India's green rail journey.
The LNG-powered train is designed to operate on a blend of diesel and LNG, depending on fuel availability. The specialized cryogenic tank stores LNG at extremely low temperatures, which is then converted back into gas through the re-gasification process. This results in a substantial reduction of diesel consumption by around 40% to 50%, replacing it with cleaner LNG.
LNG technology is specifically tailored for high-speed and DEMU trains, offering significant fuel cost savings as LNG is more cost-effective than diesel. The increased storage capacity of liquid fuel enables the train to cover over 200 km without frequent refueling stops, reducing engine strain and ensuring smooth acceleration.