Ahmedabad: Indian Railways is set to introduce a major fuel-efficiency initiative in Gujarat with the country’s first LNG-diesel DEMU train scheduled to operate from Sabarmati Railway Station in Ahmedabad.
The new train has been developed to operate using both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and diesel, with the objective of reducing diesel consumption, lowering emissions and improving the efficiency of railway operations. The train is likely to be flagged off by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 4, 2026, although the final schedule and official route details are awaited.
India’s First LNG-Diesel DEMU Train
The new DEMU represents an important step towards cleaner railway transportation in India. Unlike conventional diesel-powered DEMUs, the upgraded train can use LNG along with diesel while maintaining engine performance.
According to the available details, two 1,400-HP DEMU Driving Power Cars (DPCs) have been modified to operate using the dual-fuel technology. The modified power cars have already completed more than 2,000 kilometres of field trials, demonstrating the operational capability of the technology.
LNG Can Replace Up to 40% of Diesel
One of the key features of the new train is its ability to substitute a portion of diesel consumption with LNG.
The dual-fuel system is designed to allow LNG to replace up to 40% of diesel consumption, while the engine can automatically switch between the two fuels without a reduction in power. This could help Indian Railways reduce its dependence on diesel for certain operations while making use of a cleaner fuel source.
Eight-Coach Train Expected to Save ₹24 Lakh Annually
The eight-coach LNG-diesel DEMU is expected to provide financial as well as environmental benefits. According to the reported estimates, the train could save Indian Railways approximately ₹24 lakh per year in fuel costs. The estimated saving is around ₹11.9 lakh for each power car. The initiative is therefore being viewed not only as an alternative-fuel experiment but also as a potential cost-saving measure for railway operations.
Lower Emissions Expected
Another major objective of the LNG-powered DEMU is to reduce emissions. The dual-fuel system is expected to lower emissions of pollutants, including carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, compared with conventional diesel operation. The move comes as Indian Railways continues to explore ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of its operations.
Train Can Travel Around 222 Km on One LNG Fill
The new DEMU is equipped with a 2,200-litre LNG tank. According to the reported specifications, the train can travel approximately 222 kilometres on a single fill of the LNG tank. The automatic fuel-switching capability is designed to ensure that the train can continue operating without a reduction in engine power when changing between LNG and diesel.
Why Gujarat Was Chosen for the Initiative
Gujarat has been selected as the starting point for the LNG-based DEMU initiative partly because of the availability of LNG in the state. The fuel can be supplied through Mundra Port, providing logistical support for the project. With Gujarat being an important industrial and transportation hub, the introduction of the technology in Ahmedabad could provide Indian Railways with an opportunity to evaluate its performance under regular operating conditions.
Route Details Yet to Be Announced
While the train is expected to operate from Sabarmati Railway Station, the exact route of the local-intercity service has not yet been officially announced. Railway authorities are expected to provide details regarding the route, stations, timings and regular service schedule separately. Therefore, passengers should wait for the official railway announcement before planning journeys based on the new LNG-diesel DEMU.
Western Railway May Convert More DEMU Power Cars
The initiative could expand beyond the first train. If the LNG-based DEMU performs successfully, Western Railway plans to convert eight additional DEMU power cars to operate using LNG-diesel dual-fuel technology. This means the Ahmedabad-based project could eventually become a larger experiment in cleaner fuel usage across diesel-operated railway services.
A New Step Towards Cleaner Rail Transport
The introduction of India’s first LNG-diesel dual-fuel DEMU in Ahmedabad marks an important experiment in alternative-fuel railway technology.
With the potential for lower diesel consumption, reduced emissions and annual fuel savings, the project could provide useful insights into whether LNG can play a larger role in India’s railway network. If the trials and regular operations prove successful, the technology could potentially be expanded to more DEMU trains in the future. For Gujarat, the launch also adds another milestone to Ahmedabad and Sabarmati’s growing importance in India’s railway infrastructure.
Also read, Ahmedabad-Bhagalpur Amrit Bharat Express to Run Regularly From August 26
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