Ahmedabad has witnessed a significant milestone in clean rail transport as Indian Railways introduced the country’s first passenger train powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). This new development marks a major step toward more efficient and environmentally friendly railway operations.
Officials confirmed on Friday that following extensive trials, the LNG-powered train has entered regular service. The train can cover a distance of up to 2,200 kilometres on a single tank.
The dual-fuel LNG train underwent inspection at the Sabarmati Integrated Coaching Depot by Ved Prakash, the Ahmedabad Division Railway Manager. Addressing the media, he described the initiative as a symbol of transition from conventional diesel operations to a more cost-effective and eco-friendly technology.
For the first time, Indian Railways is running passenger services using LNG, a system that offers nearly three times the benefits of diesel in terms of efficiency, cost, and environmental impact.
Under this project, Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) trains and their Driving Power Cars (DPCs) have been modified to run on a combination of diesel and LNG. Two power cars, each with approximately 1,400 horsepower, have already been converted.
Railway officials reported that both units successfully completed field trials covering over 2,000 kilometres and have since been integrated into regular passenger operations without disruption.
The use of LNG significantly reduces emissions, with noticeable decreases in carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter compared to trains running on diesel alone. This improvement contributes to better air quality along railway routes.
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