Indian Railways Launches First-Ever LNG-Diesel Dual-Fuel DEMU Train in Ahmedabad

Overview: Indian Railways has launched the country’s first LNG-Diesel dual-fuel DEMU train at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, marking a major step towards green rail transport. The modified 1,400 HP DEMU uses LNG to replace nearly 40% of diesel without compromising performance. After successful trials over 2,000 km, the train has entered regular passenger service, supporting India’s low-carbon mobility goals.

Riyaz

Jan-31-2026

Indian Railways Launches First-Ever LNG-Diesel Dual-Fuel DEMU Train in Ahmedabad

The first LNG-Diesel dual-fuel Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train in the country at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, by Indian Railways, is a significant move to make rail transport more eco-friendly. Within this project, the driving power cars of a 1,400 HP DEMU were modified to run on a mix of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and diesel instead of approximately 40 per cent of the traditional diesel intake without any effect on performance. The dual-fuel train has since gone into regular passenger service following successful field trials of more than 2,000 km. The project should help in cutting down the emissions and reducing the fuel expenses, which will promote the sustainability of Indian Railways.

LNG-Diesel Dual-Fuel DEMU Train by Indian Railways: Key Highlights

The Indian Railways has unveiled the first LNG-based dual-fuel Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train, which is also a major step towards sustainable rail transport.
The project consists of modifying Driving Power Cars (DPCs) so that the cars can perform on a blend consisting of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and diesel without affecting performance.
The LNG replaces about 40 per cent of the diesel consumption and leads to high efficiency in terms of fuel consumption.
DEMU, which operates on 1,400 HP engines, is capable of fueling on non-electrified routes.
There were extensive field trials covering over 2,000 km, and then the train was introduced into the passenger service.
The train has a range of 2,200km using one LNG tank, which makes the train more flexible.
LNG consumption results in a decrease of carbon emissions, nitrogen oxides, and that of the particulate matter in favour of clean mobility.
The system can automatically change LNG to diesel and vice versa, which has made the operations continuous.
Indian Railways anticipates that this will save it a lot of money on fuel costs every year, with a lot of savings on a power car.
The project is in line with the vision of the Indian Railways project of having no carbon emission and enhancing environmentally friendly options for future rail running.

Important PYQs on Indian Railway

Exam Name	Year	Question	Options	Correct Answer
UPSC Prelims	2015	Indian Railways was separated from the Public Works Department (PWD) in which year?	A) 1853 B) 1905 C) 1924 D) 1951	C) 1924
SSC CGL	2017	Indian Railways was nationalised in which year?	A) 1947 B) 1951 C) 1957 D) 1965	B) 1951
RRB NTPC	2019	Which is the headquarters of Indian Railways?	A) Mumbai B) New Delhi C) Kolkata D) Chennai	B) New Delhi
SSC CHSL	2018	The first railway line in India was opened between	A) Bombay–Thane B) Howrah–Delhi C) Madras–Arcot D) Mumbai–Pune	A) Bombay–Thane
RRB Group D	2018	Which gauge has the maximum railway network in India?	A) Narrow Gauge B) Meter Gauge C) Broad Gauge D) Standard Gauge	C) Broad Gauge
SSC GD	2020	Which is the longest railway zone in India by route length?	A) Northern Railway B) Central Railway C) Eastern Railway D) Western Railway	A) Northern Railway
RRB JE	2021	What is the full form of RDSO?	A) Railway Development Safety Org. B) Research Design & Standards Organisation C) Rail Design Service Office D) Regional Development Safety Org.	B) Research Design & Standards Organisation
SSC MTS	2021	Indian Railways comes under which ministry?	A) Ministry of Transport B) Ministry of Civil Aviation C) Ministry of Railways D) Ministry of Home Affairs	C) Ministry of Railways
SSC CGL	2022	Which railway station has the longest platform in India?	A) Kharagpur B) Gorakhpur C) Prayagraj D) Howrah	B) Gorakhpur

Conclusion (Indian Railways’ First-Ever LNG-Diesel Dual-Fuel DEMU Train)

The LNG-diesel dual-fuel DEMU train at Indian Railways is a big step towards cost-effective and sustainable rail transportation. The innovation helps meet green mobility targets and works toward the purpose of making India ready to operate its railroads more cleanly, as the reduced consumption of diesel and generated emissions do not impair the performance of the vehicle.