Indian Railways launches first LNG-diesel dual-fuel train in Gujarat

Launch Details

Indian Railways has launched the country's first Liquefied Natural Gas-powered train from Sabarmati in Gujarat on September 27. The new service operates as an eight-coach, non-AC chair car train between Sabarmati and Mahesana Junction, while its regular route will be announced later after final confirmation.

Technical Setup

Unlike a complete LNG setup, the train uses a dual-fuel system that runs on both LNG and diesel to cut down fuel costs and emissions. The national transporter converted two 1,400 HP Driving Power Cars at the Sabarmati Integrated Coaching Depot for this project. Each Driving Power Car holds an LNG tank of about 2,200 litres capacity, storing roughly 950 to 1,000 kg of usable LNG. This allows one Driving Power Car to run for around 444 km on a full LNG load while replacing about 40 per cent of regular diesel consumption. Furthermore, the converted cars have already completed more than 2,000 km of field trials.

Cost and Savings

Trial estimates show that one Driving Power Car can save around Rs 11.9 lakh per year, while an eight-coach rake can save about Rs 23.9 lakh annually. The system also cuts emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. This project follows the launch of India's first hydrogen train between Jind and Sonipat on July 17, 2026, which uses a fuel-cell system to generate electricity with water vapour as its only direct by-product.