In a landmark move for sustainable rail transport, Indian Railways has launched the country’s first LNG-diesel dual-fuel Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train at the Sabarmati Integrated Coaching Depot in Ahmedabad. This development represents a major step toward reducing reliance on diesel, lowering emissions and cutting operating costs across rail services. What Is the Dual-Fuel DEMU? The newly operational train is a 1,400 HP DEMU whose driving power cars have been converted to run on a dual-fuel system — blending Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) with traditional diesel. Under this system, LNG replaces approximately 40 per cent of diesel consumption, offering a cleaner alternative without compromising performance or reliability. Two Driving Power Cars (DPCs) were retrofitted with LNG tanks and dual-fuel technology. These modified units successfully completed field trials covering over 2,000 kilometres, proving the feasibility and stability of the technology in regular passenger service. Railway officials report that the train has been operating smoothly without technical issues since being put into routine service. Environmental and Economic Benefits One of the primary motivations behind the LNG-diesel initiative is environmental sustainability. Using LNG significantly reduces harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) compared to diesel-only operation. This helps… Read MoreBusiness Archives – Trak.in – Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups
