India’s First LNG-Powered Train Flagged Off in Sabarmati

SABARMATI: In a major milestone toward decarbonizing the national transporter and adopting green energy, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah flagged off India’s first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-powered train from Sabarmati Railway Station today.

Accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Shah launched the landmark train alongside a package of critical railway infrastructure and safety projects across Gujarat totaling more than ₹1,542 crore.

Developed by the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and operated under the Western Railway’s Ahmedabad Division, the new 8-coach non-AC chair car DEMU train runs on an innovative diesel-LNG dual-fuel system.

To enable the transition, engineers converted two 1,400 HP Driving Power Cars (DPCs) at the Sabarmati Integrated Coaching Depot. Under this setup, clean-burning LNG can substitute up to 40% of standard diesel consumption.

Significantly reduces emissions of carbon dioxide ($\text{CO}_2$), nitrogen oxides ($\text{NO}_x$), and particulate matter compared to standard diesel locomotives.

Expected to generate annual fuel savings of approximately ₹11.9 lakh per Driving Power Car, yielding roughly ₹23.9 lakh in annual savings for an 8-coach rake.

Each DPC is fitted with a 2,200-liter LNG storage tank capable of holding nearly 1,000 kg of usable fuel, providing an operational range of roughly 444 km per fill without loss of engine power or operational reliability.

Prior to today’s inauguration, the converted power cars underwent extensive testing, completing over 2,000 km of successful field trials. On its inaugural run, the train operated along the 62 km route between Sabarmati and Mahesana Junction.