India's First LNG-Diesel Dual-Fuel Train Runs Sabarmati-Mahesana, Targets 40% Diesel Replacement
trak.inIndian Railways has introduced its first LNG-diesel dual-fuel DEMU train on the Sabarmati-Mahesana route in Gujarat. The eight-coach non-AC train uses two converted 1,400 HP power cars and can replace up to around 40% of diesel use with LNG. The dual-fuel setup lets the engine switch back to diesel if LNG supply is unavailable. The converted power cars completed more than 2,000 km of field trials before passenger service. Indian Railways estimates annual fuel savings of about Rs 23.9 lakh for the eight-coach train, assuming fuel prices and LNG share hold. The final regular route has not been announced. This is a test for Indian Railways on non-electrified routes. If the technology performs, similar conversions could reduce diesel consumption and emissions on short and medium-distance services without waiting for full electrification.