Amit Shah Flags Off India's First LNG Train in Gujarat
In a landmark move for sustainable transport, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has officially inaugurated India's first LNG train in Sabarmati, Gujarat. This historic event, held on September 27, 2026, was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, marking a significant step toward the greening of the national rail network.
Alongside the rollout of this eco-friendly locomotive, Minister Shah also launched a series of massive railway infrastructure projects valued at over ₹1,542 crore, aimed at enhancing safety, capacity, and efficiency across the region.
A Green Leap: The LNG-Powered Revolution
The newly introduced 8-coach non-AC chair car service will initially operate on the route between Sabarmati Station and Mehsana. This innovative train utilizes a dual-fuel system designed to replace approximately 40% of traditional diesel consumption with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
Developed through the collaborative efforts of the Ahmedabad Railway Division and the Integrated Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, the train features two 1,400 HP driving power cars. Key technical specifications include:
- Fuel Capacity: Each power car is equipped with a 2,200-liter LNG tank.
- Operational Range: The system allows for a travel range of approximately 444 kilometers.
- Cost Efficiency: The shift to LNG is expected to save roughly ₹11.9 lakh in annual fuel costs per driving power car.
Beyond the economic benefits, the initiative is a major