Amit Shah Flags Off India's First LNG-Powered Train
In a landmark move toward sustainable transportation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah officially flagged off India's first LNG-powered train from the Sabarmati Railway Station on Sunday, September 27, 2026. This pioneering initiative marks a major milestone in the nation's journey to transition toward cleaner and more eco-friendly railway operations.
A Greener Way to Travel
The newly launched train utilizes an advanced diesel-LNG dual-fuel system. It is equipped with two 1,400 HP Driving Power Cars (DPCs) that were specially converted at the Sabarmati Integrated Coaching Depot. This technological shift is expected to replace approximately 40 percent of traditional diesel consumption.
The train, consisting of an 8-coach non-AC chair car, proved its reliability by successfully completing over 2,000 kilometers of field trials before its inaugural journey between Sabarmati and Mahesana Junction. Beyond the environmental benefits, the switch to LNG offers significant economic advantages:
- Annual savings of Rs 11.9 lakh per Driving Power Car.
- Annual savings of Rs 23.9 lakh for an entire 8-coach rake.
Additionally, the use of LNG will drastically reduce the emission of harmful substances, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
The Road to Zero Diesel by 2030
While addressing the gathering, Amit Shah highlighted the massive transformation within the