Indian Railways achieves a green milestone as its first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-driven passenger train hits the tracks in Ahmedabad. This dual-fuel breakthrough promises to slash diesel use and emissions, heralding a cleaner future for mass transit.
Confirmed by officials Friday, the train passed all tests and is now in full commercial operation. A single LNG tank powers it for 2,200 kilometers, offering unmatched endurance for regional routes.
Inspection at Sabarmati’s Integrated Coaching Depot was led by Ahmedabad DRM Ved Prakash. In media interactions, he positioned the launch as a transformative step away from fossil fuel-heavy operations toward sustainable alternatives.
“This is Railways’ debut with LNG in passenger segments,” he affirmed. The dual-fuel setup trumps diesel by threefold in operational efficiency, cost reduction, and eco-friendliness.
The initiative retrofits DEMU trains’ Driving Power Cars for LNG-diesel compatibility. With two converted 1,400 HP units already in play, the project has logged over 2,000 km of successful field trials.
Transitioning smoothly to passenger duties, these trains demonstrate zero disruptions. Environmentally, LNG cuts CO2, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter emissions dramatically compared to pure diesel runs, enhancing air quality near tracks.
As India accelerates its clean energy agenda, this Ahmedabad debut could inspire similar upgrades nationwide, potentially transforming the world’s fourth-largest rail network into a low-emission powerhouse.