India’s first LNG-powered train is here: 1,400 HP power cars to replace nearly 40% of diesel use while cutting carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides & particulate emissions

Union home and cooperation minister Amit Shah on Sunday flagged off India’s first LNG-powered train in Gujarat and launched several railway projects worth more than Rs 1,542 crore at Sabarmati.

The projects cover railway safety, infrastructure expansion, freight operations and alternative-fuel technology, with a focus on improving capacity and reducing fuel consumption.

India’s first LNG-powered train flagged off

The LNG-powered train uses a diesel-LNG dual-fuel system, allowing it to run on both diesel and liquefied natural gas.


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As part of the project, two 1,400 HP Driving Power Cars at the Sabarmati Integrated Coaching Depot have been converted to operate on the dual-fuel system. LNG is expected to replace nearly 40% of diesel consumption under the system.

The initiative is aimed at reducing diesel use and fuel costs while also lowering emissions such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.

Kavach to cover 404 km of railway network

Shah also laid the foundation stone for the indigenous Kavach automatic train protection system across 404 km of railway network in the Ahmedabad division.

The project, estimated to cost around Rs 411 crore, will cover 157 km of the Ahmedabad-Palanpur section and 247 km of the Ahmedabad-Samakhiyali section.

Kavach is designed to help prevent train collisions, control overspeeding and reduce risks associated with human error.

Automatic signalling system to boost rail capacity

An automatic block signalling system has also been introduced across 122.57 km of railway sections between Sabarmati-Kalol-Bhandu Motidau and Sabarmati-Sanand-Jakhwada.

The system has been developed at an estimated cost of Rs 118.83 crore and is aimed at maintaining safe distances between trains while allowing more trains to operate on the routes.

Rs 700 crore WAG-12 locomotive maintenance shed

Shah also inaugurated the WAG-12 locomotive maintenance shed at Sabarmati, built at an estimated cost of Rs 700 crore.

The facility will provide maintenance support for up to 300 WAG-12 electric locomotives. These high-horsepower locomotives have a capacity of around 12,000 HP and are designed to haul heavy and long freight trains.

The maintenance facility is expected to strengthen support for freight operations and improve locomotive availability.

Sabarmati-Sarkhej railway line doubling project

The Sabarmati-Sarkhej railway line doubling project, estimated at Rs 313.27 crore, will cover a 21-km stretch and is targeted for completion by March 2028.

The project covers stations including Sabarmati, Gandhigram, Vastrapur and Sarkhej, along with the construction and modification of bridges and road underpasses.

The doubling project is expected to improve train movement and connectivity towards the Sarkhej-Dholera region, while supporting industrial and commercial activity along the route.

Focus on railway safety and alternative fuels

The projects launched in Gujarat bring together railway safety systems, additional line capacity, freight infrastructure and alternative-fuel technology.

The LNG-powered train marks an attempt to reduce dependence on diesel in rail operations, while the Kavach and automatic signalling projects are focused on improving safety and operational efficiency across the Ahmedabad division.


Inputs from ANI