India's first LNG-diesel dual-fuel DEMU train begins inaugural run from Sabarmati

India's first LNG-diesel dual-fuel DEMU train began its inaugural run on Saturday, with Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah flagging it off from Sabarmati railway station in Gujarat.

The train has been developed by the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory. Its dual-fuel system allows the same engine to run on both Liquefied Natural Gas and diesel, so the train is not wholly dependent on LNG and can switch to diesel depending on fuel availability.

Inaugural route

On its first trip, the train will operate between Sabarmati and Mahesana Junction. A senior official of the Ahmedabad Division said the final route has not yet been decided and an announcement will be made once it is fixed.

The train is expected to cover the 62-km stretch in about one hour and 20 minutes, passing through Jhulasan, Dangarwa, Ambliyasan and Jagudan. It is an eight-coach, non-AC chair car train.

Trials and savings

For the project, two 1,400 HP Driving Power Cars were converted to the LNG-diesel dual-fuel system. The converted cars completed more than 2,000 kilometres of field trials to test the performance and reliability of the LNG-based system.

The initiative is aimed at reducing diesel consumption and promoting cleaner and alternative fuels in Indian Railways. The use of LNG is expected to lower emissions such as CO2, NOx and particulate matter.

The railway has estimated annual savings of around Rs 11.9 lakh per Driving Power Car, and around Rs 23.9 lakh for an eight-coach rake. The train will be operated and maintained by the Ahmedabad Division of Western Railway.