The future of Indian rail travel arrived in Ahmedabad with the launch of the nation’s first passenger train powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). This eco-conscious dual-fuel train is poised to deliver big on savings and sustainability.
Railway officials greenlit regular services on Friday post comprehensive evaluations. The train’s LNG capacity supports 2,200 km per tank, ensuring extended runs and fewer halts.
Ahmedabad Division’s Railway Manager Ved Prakash inspected the units at Sabarmati depot. To the press, he hailed it as a pivotal move from diesel dominance to advanced, planet-friendly propulsion.
Marking Railways’ initial foray into LNG for passengers, the tech excels with nearly three times diesel’s gains in efficiency, affordability, and pollution control.
Project focus: upgrading DEMU trains and DPCs for blended diesel-LNG use. Two power cars, each packing 1,400 HP, have completed 2,000+ km trials and are now handling everyday passenger loads effortlessly.
LNG’s edge shines in emissions: far lower CO2, NOx, and particulates than diesel equivalents, fostering better air along rail lines.
This innovation aligns with India’s net-zero ambitions, potentially scaling to thousands of trains. Ahmedabad’s trailblazing effort signals a greener, more efficient rail era ahead.