India flagged off its first LNG-diesel dual-fuel DEMU train at Sabarmati on 27 September, marking a step towards cleaner rail transport.

The eight-coach train runs on two 1,400 HP power cars that can switch between liquefied natural gas and diesel. Trials covering more than 2,000 km showed that the system can replace about 40 per cent of diesel use with LNG.

Railway officials said the dual-fuel technology cuts fuel costs and reduces emissions. LNG burns cleaner than diesel, producing less smoke and fewer harmful particles.

The train is aimed at non-electrified routes, where diesel engines are still the mainstay. If the trials succeed, the technology could be extended to more DEMU services across the country.

The project is part of Indian Railways’ push to lower its carbon footprint. Officials said more such trains are planned as the railways moves towards greener operations.

Railway engineers said the dual-fuel kit can be retrofitted on existing DEMU power cars, which could speed up adoption. Lower fuel bills and cleaner exhaust are the main attractions for wider use.