Amit Shah Flags Off India's First LNG Train from Sabarmati
In a landmark move for sustainable transport, Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off India's first LNG train from Ahmedabad's Sabarmati Railway Station on Sunday. This historic launch, part of a series of new projects within the Sabarmati Division, marks a significant leap toward reducing the environmental impact of the rail sector.
A Massive Infrastructure Transformation
The launch coincided with the inauguration of several other railway initiatives aimed at improving passenger experience and safety. Speaking at the event, Amit Shah highlighted that the Sabarmati Station has undergone a radical transformation, fueled by an investment of ₹1,472 crore. He noted that these developments are specifically designed to enhance connectivity, bolster safety, and provide greater convenience to travelers in the region.
The Roadmap to Zero Diesel Dependency
One of the most significant aspects of the announcement was the government's aggressive stance on reducing diesel consumption. The Home Minister shared impressive data regarding the shift toward cleaner energy sources:
- Diesel usage in 2015-16: 293 crore litres
- Diesel usage in 2024-25: 108 crore litres
- The 2030 Goal: Achieving zero diesel dependency
"This is a massive achievement that often goes unnoticed," Shah remarked, emphasizing that moving away from diesel will save significant national currency while protecting the environment.
Unprecedented Electrification Growth
The scale of electrification across the Indian Railways has seen an exponential rise in recent years. To put the progress into perspective, the Home Minister compared past and present figures:
- In 2010-11, only 75 kilometres of track were electrified.
- In the single year of 2023-24, the railways electrified 7,188 kilometres.
Currently, 99.6 per cent of the entire railway network is electrified, with efforts underway to complete the remaining portion. Shah noted that while Sweden has achieved 100 per cent electrification, the sheer scale of the Indian rail network makes India's progress even more remarkable.
Political Context
During his address, the Union Home Minister also took the opportunity to critique the previous administration, contrasting the current pace of development with the alleged corruption and lack of progress seen during the previous ten years of Congress rule.