India's First LNG-Powered Train Flagged Off from Sabarmati Railway Station

Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off the country's first LNG-powered train from Sabarmati Railway Station, Ahmedabad, on 27 September 2026. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was also present at the event.

The Wider ₹1,472 Crore Railway Projects Launched During the Event

Along with the train, projects worth ₹1,472 crore were inaugurated or started. A ₹700 crore WAG-12 Maintenance Shed was opened for locomotive upkeep. The 12,000 HP WAG-12 engine can pull freight equal to about 600 trucks, and one engine now does the work of two. The Kavach safety system was introduced on the Sabarmati–Kalol section at ₹48 crore. Kavach work has also begun on Ahmedabad–Palanpur and Ahmedabad–Samakhiali, along with doubling of the Sabarmati–Sarkhej line.

Key Features of India's First LNG-Diesel DEMU Train

1. It is a dual-fuel DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) train.
2. Two 1,400 HP Driving Power Cars were converted at the Sabarmati Integrated Coaching Depot.
3. LNG can replace up to 40% of the diesel used.
4. The technology passed more than 2,000 km of field trials before passenger service.

How Does the LNG-Diesel Train Work?

LNG is natural gas cooled into liquid form so it can be stored easily. In this train, the power cars burn LNG and diesel together. Gas does part of the work, so less diesel is needed, while the train performs as well as a pure diesel one.

Benefits of India's First LNG Train

1. Savings: About ₹11.9 lakh a year per power car, and roughly ₹23.9 lakh for an eight-coach rake.
2. Cleaner running: Lower carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
3. Longer range: Performance equal to diesel, with a wider operating range.
4. Cut Diesel Use: This fits India's larger push to cut diesel use. Railway diesel consumption fell from 293 crore liters in 2015–16 to 108 crore liters in 2024–25.

How the LNG Train Compares to India's Hydrogen Train?

India’s first hydrogen train, recently inaugurated by the Prime Minister, made India one of only four countries with this technology. It runs on a completely different fuel. The LNG train is a practical step: it keeps the existing diesel-based DEMU design but cuts fuel use and pollution. Hydrogen is a newer, cleaner technology, while LNG only reduces diesel dependence and does not remove it.

First LNG-Diesel Dual-Fuel DEMU Train Route

The train started its first run from Sabarmati Railway Station in Ahmedabad and goes to Mahesana Junction. Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged it off on 27 September 2026.

Route and operational details:

• Route: Sabarmati to Mahesana Junction
• Distance and time: About 62 km, covered in roughly 1 hour 20 minutes
• Key stops on the way: Jhulasan, Dangarwa, Ambliyasan and Jagudan
• Train type: 8-coach, non-AC chair car DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit)