India officially inaugurates first LNG-powered dual-fuel train

India has officially inaugurated its first LNG-powered dual-fuel Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train in Sabarmati, Gujarat. The official ceremony was led by Home Minister Amit Shah and attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on September 27.

The converted train utilizes a dual-fuel system that allows it to switch between diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG) based on operational needs. This technology is designed to replace approximately 40 percent of the diesel previously consumed, aiming to reduce carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions while lowering fuel costs.

While the official inauguration took place in late September, the train has been in passenger service since January following successful field tests covering more than 2,000 kilometers. The initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize Indian Railways and improve air quality through more sustainable fuel alternatives.