Indian Railways Launches First LNG–Diesel Dual-Fuel DEMU, Boosting Green Mobility

Indian Railways Operates First LNG–Diesel Dual-Fuel DEMU Train

Indian Railways has marked a major advance in sustainable transportation by operationalising the country’s first LNG–Diesel dual-fuel Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train. The initiative reflects a strategic shift towards cleaner propulsion technologies and supports India’s long-term goals of reducing emissions and fuel dependency in rail operations.

First-of-Its-Kind Rollout at Sabarmati

The pioneering DEMU train has been commissioned at **Indian Railways’ Sabarmati facility in Ahmedabad . Under the project, the driving power cars of a 1,400-horsepower DEMU were retrofitted to operate on a dual-fuel configuration. The system allows Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to replace nearly 40 per cent of conventional diesel , while maintaining the same operational performance.

Trials Completed, Passenger Services Underway

Railway officials confirmed that the modified power cars successfully completed over 2,000 kilometres of field trials . After meeting all safety and performance benchmarks, the train was inducted into regular passenger service . According to the Ahmedabad division, the dual-fuel DEMU has been operating smoothly, demonstrating that LNG-based solutions are viable for everyday rail operations.

Environmental and Cost Benefits

The LNG–Diesel configuration offers tangible environmental gains by reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) emissions along rail corridors. From an economic perspective, partial substitution of diesel with LNG lowers fuel expenditure, making the model attractive for wider deployment, particularly on non-electrified routes where diesel traction continues to dominate.

Important Facts for Exams

• LNG stands for Liquefied Natural Gas

• DEMU means Diesel Electric Multiple Unit

• The dual-fuel system substitutes about 40% diesel with LNG

• The project promotes cleaner and cost-efficient rail transport

Towards Cleaner Rail Mobility

The successful deployment of India’s first LNG–Diesel DEMU train sets a precedent for alternative fuel adoption in the railway sector. It provides a scalable pathway for reducing emissions until complete electrification is achieved across all routes. The initiative reinforces Indian Railways’ broader commitment to green mobility, energy efficiency, and innovation-driven sustainability .