India’s First LNG-Diesel Dual-Fuel DEMU Train to Run from Sabarmati Railway Station, Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad: Another milestone in the history of Indian Railways is set to be recorded in Gujarat, with the country’s first LNG-diesel dual-fuel DEMU train set to operate from Sabarmati Railway Station. The train is likely to be flagged off by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 4.

Developed with a focus on reducing fuel consumption and emissions, the dual-fuel DEMU has been designed to run on both diesel and LNG without compromising engine power.

As part of the initiative, two 1,400-HP DEMU Driving Power Cars (DPCs) have been modified to run on a dual-fuel system, enabling LNG to replace up to 40% of diesel consumption. The upgraded units have successfully completed more than 2,000 km of field trials.

The official route of the local-intercity service is expected to be announced soon.

Fuel savings and lower emissions

The eight-coach train is expected to save the Railways around Rs 24 lakh annually in fuel costs, with estimated savings of about Rs 11.9 lakh per power car.

The train is also expected to significantly reduce emissions of pollutants such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

Key features of the LNG-diesel DEMU include:

• The train can travel around 222 km on a single fill of its 2,200-litre LNG tank.
• The engine can automatically switch between diesel and LNG without any reduction in power.
• If the trial is successful, Western Railway plans to convert eight more DEMU power cars to LNG.
• The initiative has been started in Gujarat as LNG is readily supplied through Mundra Port.

The project is being seen as an effort to promote cleaner and more fuel-efficient railway operations, with Gujarat serving as the starting point for the LNG-based DEMU initiative. DeshGujarat