India's First LNG-Powered Train
Key Highlights
- Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah flagged off India's first LNG-powered train from Sabarmati Railway Station, Ahmedabad, Gujarat on 27 September 2026.
- Railway development projects worth ₹1,472 crore were inaugurated, focusing on cleaner fuel, safety, passenger amenities and connectivity.
LNG-Based Fuel System
- Indian Railways introduced an LNG-based fuel system in the train's Driving Power Cars (DPCs) for the first time.
- The system uses a dual-fuel combination of diesel and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
- Two 1,400 HP DPCs at the Sabarmati Integrated Coaching Depot were converted to operate on both fuels.
- The dual-fuel system allows LNG to replace around 40% of diesel consumption, reducing dependence on conventional diesel.
Environmental Benefits
- LNG use is expected to reduce emissions of CO₂, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter.
- It also lowers fuel consumption and operating costs.
- Represents Indian Railways' push for alternative fuels and reduced environmental impact of diesel traction.
Kavach Safety System
- Kavach train protection system introduced on the Sabarmati–Kalol–Sabarmati section at a cost of ₹48 crore.
- Work commenced for Kavach on Ahmedabad–Palanpur and Ahmedabad–Samakhiali sections.
- Kavach is India's indigenous Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).
Other Projects
- Railway line doubling: Work begun on the Sabarmati–Sarkhej line to improve capacity and connectivity.
- Freight capacity: Successful trial of India's first long-haul double-stack container train between Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Mumbai) and Vadodara.
Significance
- Supports net-zero emissions goals of Indian Railways and India's climate commitments.
- Promotes energy diversification towards natural gas, aligning with the National Gas Grid vision.
- Enhances railway safety (Kavach) and freight efficiency (double-stack containers).