Amit Shah Flags Off India's First LNG-Powered Dual-Fuel Train from Sabarmati Station in Ahmedabad

Key facts

• Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off India's first LNG-powered train from Sabarmati station in Gujarat.
• The LNG train runs on a dual-fuel diesel-plus-LNG system developed for its Driving Power Cars (DPCs); two DPCs, each rated 1,400 HP, were modified at the Sabarmati Integrated Coaching Depot.
• Dual-fuel operation lets LNG substitute for around 40% of diesel consumption while preserving the diesel engine's power and allowing running on either fuel based on availability.
• Each converted DPC carries an LNG tank of about 2,200 litres holding roughly 850-900 kg of usable LNG, enough for around 1,600 km between refuels.
• The two converted DPCs underwent more than 2,000 km of field trials, and trial data indicate lower fuel costs and reduced CO2, nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions.
• Shah said Railways' diesel use would fall from 293 crore litres in 2015-16 to 108 crore litres in 2024-25 and reach zero by 2030, alongside a net zero goal.
• According to Shah, Railways has achieved 99.6% electrification, with the remainder targeted for completion.
• At the same event, Shah flagged off a WAG-12 electric locomotive and dedicated railway projects worth over Rs 1,500 crore, including line doubling, the Kavach train protection system, automatic signalling and a WAG-12 maintenance shed.