Ahmedabad has become the epicenter of rail innovation with the introduction of India’s first passenger train fueled by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). This dual-fuel marvel is set to revolutionize how millions travel across the country, cutting costs and pollution in one stroke.
Following extensive trials, the train was officially inducted into service, as verified by railway officials on Friday. Its onboard LNG tank enables a staggering 2,200 km journey on a single fill, minimizing refueling stops and operational downtime.
At the Sabarmati depot, Division Railway Manager Ved Prakash personally oversaw the inspection. Speaking to reporters, he described the project as a bold departure from diesel dependency, ushering in an era of smarter, greener rail travel.
For the first time, Indian Railways is deploying LNG in passenger operations. Prakash noted the technology’s superiority, offering triple advantages over diesel in terms of fuel efficiency, economic viability, and emission controls.
The conversion program targets DEMU trains, modifying their DPCs to handle both diesel and LNG. Two 1,400 HP power cars stand ready, having aced more than 2,000 km of real-world testing.
These units now operate flawlessly in daily passenger runs, proving the reliability of the hybrid system. The shift to LNG promises cleaner skies, with sharp declines in CO2, NOx, and particulate emissions versus conventional diesel locomotives.
Railway experts predict this could spark a nationwide upgrade wave, aligning India’s vast rail network with global sustainability goals. Passengers can look forward to smoother, more affordable rides while the planet benefits from lower carbon footprints.