Indian Railways has formally introduced the country’s first LNG-diesel dual-fuel DEMU train, marking a new step in its efforts to test alternative fuels for railway operations.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, flagged off the train from Sabarmati Railway Station in Ahmedabad on September 27. The train uses a dual-fuel system that allows its engines to operate using both Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and diesel.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: India’s first LNG-diesel dual-fuel DEMU train formally flagged off.
Location: Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Authority/Organisation: Indian Railways / Western Railway.
Action Taken: Two 1,400 HP Driving Power Cars were converted to operate on LNG and diesel.
Impact: The system is designed to replace around 40% of diesel consumption with LNG and potentially reduce fuel costs and emissions.
The system has been developed by converting two 1,400-horsepower Driving Power Cars at the Sabarmati Integrated Coaching Depot. Indian Railways says LNG can replace around 40% of diesel consumption in the converted system, potentially reducing fuel use and associated emissions.
The inaugural operation is between Sabarmati and Mahesana Junction. The eight-coach DEMU has non-AC chair-car coaches and is intended to demonstrate the operational viability of LNG as an alternative fuel alongside diesel.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The project gives Indian Railways an opportunity to test LNG in passenger train operations without completely replacing diesel infrastructure. According to railway estimates, one converted Driving Power Car could generate annual fuel savings of around ₹11.9 lakh. For an eight-coach rake using two converted power cars, the estimated annual saving is around ₹23.9 lakh, although actual savings will depend on fuel prices, operating conditions and the proportion of LNG used. The initiative is also expected to reduce emissions including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter compared with conventional diesel operation.
