Indian Railways rolls out first LNG-diesel dual-fuel DEMU train from Sabarmati

Indian Railways has introduced its first train running on a liquefied natural gas (LNG) and diesel dual-fuel system, flagging it off from Sabarmati in Gujarat on September 27. The launch follows the country's first hydrogen train, which began operations between Jind and Sonipat on July 17, 2026.

A dual-fuel approach

The new train is not an LNG-only unit. Its engine can run on both LNG and diesel, allowing it to switch depending on fuel availability. Two 1,400 HP Driving Power Cars (DPCs) were converted at the Sabarmati Integrated Coaching Depot for the project, and the system can replace roughly 40 per cent of diesel consumption with LNG.

More than 2,000 km of field trials have already been completed on the converted power cars to assess performance and reliability.

Savings and emissions

The dual-fuel system is expected to lower fuel costs and cut emissions of CO2, NOx and particulate matter. Trial-based estimates put the savings at about Rs 11.9 lakh per year for a single DPC and around Rs 23.9 lakh per year for an eight-coach rake.

Each DPC carries an LNG tank of about 2,200 litres, holding roughly 950–1,000 kg of usable LNG. On a full load, one DPC can run for around 444 km. The design is intended to maintain required power and operational reliability while drawing on LNG alongside diesel.

Inaugural route

The eight-coach, non-AC chair car train is running between Sabarmati and Mahesana Junction for its inaugural service. Its regular route has not been finalised and will be announced once confirmed.

Contrast with the hydrogen train

The two projects use distinct technologies. The hydrogen train generates electricity onboard through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapour as a direct by-product, with no smoke or direct tailpipe carbon emissions. It has 10 coaches, including two Hydrogen Driving Power Cars, delivers 2,400 kW of power, and uses lithium iron phosphate batteries and hydrogen storage cylinders.

By July 25, that train had covered more than 1,200 km and saved over 3,200 litres of diesel. The LNG train, by contrast, relies on an internal-combustion engine adapted for dual-fuel operation — a fuel-cell-based system in one case, and an alternative fuel working alongside diesel in the other.