India’s first liquefied natural gas powered train has arrived in Ahmedabad, marking a significant milestone in the modernisation of railway operations and the push towards cleaner energy. The train, developed under a pilot initiative by Indian Railways, can travel up to 2,200 kilometres on a single LNG tank and is expected to reduce operating costs and emissions compared with conventional diesel-powered services.

#WATCH | Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Indian Railways successfully operates India’s first LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) powered train.

Mandala Rail Manager, Western Railway, Ved Prakash says, “This is a unique initiative by the Indian Railways in which attempts are being made to use LNG… pic.twitter.com/l7L3vnktSL

— ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2026

Railway officials said the introduction of LNG as a fuel alternative reflects a broader effort to make rail transport more economical and environmentally sustainable. Divisional Railway Manager Ved Prakash described the LNG system as offering nearly three times the benefits of diesel engines, while maintaining the same level of performance and reliability.

Shift From Diesel To LNG In Passenger Services

For the first time in the country, Indian Railways has successfully operated a train running entirely on liquefied natural gas. Until now, diesel has been the primary fuel for Diesel Multiple Unit and Distributed Power Control System trains operating on non-electrified routes. Under the new initiative, diesel is being gradually replaced with LNG in selected DEMU and DPC services.

As part of the project, trains with a power capacity of around 1,400 horsepower have been converted to run on the LNG fuel system. Railway officials said these trains have already covered more than 2,000 kilometres and are operating in regular passenger service without any reported decline in efficiency or operational stability.

According to the railways, the transition does not require major compromises in terms of power output or reliability. Officials emphasised that the engine performance remains comparable to diesel, while the extended running range of up to 2,200 kilometres on a full LNG tank reduces the need for frequent refuelling stops.

Lower Emissions And Significant Cost Savings

One of the key advantages of LNG-powered trains is the reduction in pollution levels. Railway authorities said the use of LNG leads to lower emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, improving air quality along railway corridors and in surrounding urban areas.

In addition to environmental benefits, the financial savings are substantial. DRM Ved Prakash said LNG is cheaper than diesel, resulting in a noticeable reduction in operating costs. Estimates suggest that a DPC train can save approximately ₹11.9 lakh annually, while savings in an eight-coach DEMU train can go up to ₹23.9 lakh per year.

Officials added that these savings could increase further if LNG adoption is scaled up across more routes and train sets, especially in regions where diesel traction continues to play a major role.

Trials Underway In Gujarat, Expansion Planned

The LNG-powered train is currently undergoing trials in the Mahesana and Sabarmati sections, with Ahmedabad serving as a key operational hub. Railway officials said the performance data collected during these trials will be used to fine-tune the system before wider deployment.

Plans are already in place to introduce LNG technology in eight to ten more trains operating in the same section in the coming months. After completing all technical tests and securing the necessary approvals, Indian Railways intends to expand the use of LNG-powered trains on a broader scale.

Officials said the move aligns with the railways’ long-term strategy to balance operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. By adopting cleaner fuels such as LNG, Indian Railways aims to reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining affordable and reliable passenger services, a shift expected to benefit both the economy and the environment in the years ahead.

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