Indian Railways has taken another step toward cleaner and more efficient operations with the launch of the country’s first LNG-powered train. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah flagged off the train from Sabarmati in Gujarat on Sunday.
The LNG train is designed around a dual-fuel system that can run on both diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Two 1,400-horsepower driving power cars at the Sabarmati Integrated Coaching Depot have been modified to support the technology.
According to the project details, the system could reduce diesel consumption by up to 40%, while also lowering emissions such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. The move is part of Indian Railways’ broader efforts to introduce more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.
Kavach System to Cover 404 km
Several other railway projects were also launched during the event, with a combined focus on safety, capacity and freight movement.
A major project involves the rollout of the indigenous Kavach automatic train protection system across 404 km of railway routes in the Ahmedabad division. The ₹411-crore project will cover the Ahmedabad–Palanpur section spanning 157 km and the Ahmedabad–Samakhiyali section covering 247 km.
Kavach is designed to help prevent train collisions, control overspeeding and reduce the risks associated with human error.
Automatic Signalling Added to Key Routes
Indian Railways has also introduced an automatic block signalling system across a 122.57-km network covering the Sabarmati–Kalol–Bhandu Motidau and Sabarmati–Sanand–Jakhwada sections.
The project, estimated to cost around ₹118.83 crore, is expected to improve train movement by maintaining safer distances between trains and increasing the capacity of busy railway routes.
WAG-12 Maintenance Facility Opens
A new maintenance shed for WAG-12 electric locomotives has also been inaugurated at Sabarmati. The facility has been developed at an estimated cost of around ₹700 crore.
WAG-12 locomotives have a power output of 12,000 HP and are designed to haul heavy and long freight trains. The new facility will support the maintenance of up to 300 such locomotives.
Sabarmati–Sarkhej Doubling Project
Another key project is the doubling of the 21-km Sabarmati–Gandhigram–Vastrapur–Sarkhej railway route. The project, estimated at ₹313.27 crore, has a target completion date of March 2028.
The additional railway track is expected to improve connectivity toward the Sarkhej–Dholka region and support the movement of passengers and freight as industrial and commercial activity expands.
With the LNG train and multiple infrastructure projects being launched together, the Sabarmati programme highlights Indian Railways’ simultaneous focus on cleaner fuel technology, railway safety, route capacity and freight infrastructure.
