India’s first LNG-diesel dual-fuel DEMU train is set to be formally flagged off from Gujarat’s Sabarmati railway station on September 27. The train uses a dual-fuel system that lets its engine run on both LNG (liquefied natural gas) and diesel, switching between the two depending on fuel availability. The technology aims to reduce diesel consumption while promoting cleaner, alternative fuels in Indian Railways. Scroll down to know more.
India’s First LNG-Diesel Dual-Fuel DEMU Train Flags Off Today
According to a report by The Indian Express, the project has been developed through the conversion of two 1,400 HP Driving Power Cars (DPCs) at the Sabarmati depot. The converted power cars have completed more than 2,000 km of field trials, which were conducted to assess the performance and reliability of the dual-fuel system. The technology can replace up to around 40% of diesel consumption with LNG.
The train is being operated by the Ahmedabad Division of Western Railway. During its formal launch, it is scheduled to operate from Sabarmati towards Mahesana. The eight-coach DEMU consists of non-AC chair-car coaches.
Unlike a train that runs entirely on LNG, this DEMU can use both LNG and diesel. The engine can switch between the two fuels depending on availability, allowing operations to continue even when LNG is not available. The dual-fuel system has been designed to maintain the engine’s power and operating performance while reducing diesel consumption.
Each converted DPC is fitted with an LNG tank with a capacity of around 2,200 litres, with approximately 950–1,000 kg of usable LNG. According to the approved design, a fully loaded tank can support around 444 km of operation under the specified conditions.
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LNG Train To Reduce Fuel Costs And Emissions
The use of LNG is expected to reduce diesel consumption as well as emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter. Indian Railways estimates annual fuel savings of around ₹11.9 lakh per DPC, while an eight-coach rake with two DPCs could save approximately ₹23.9 lakh annually, based on trial estimates.
The initiative is part of Indian Railways’ efforts to reduce dependence on diesel and explore alternative fuels for railway operations. The successful trials and subsequent passenger operations at Sabarmati mark an important step in testing LNG as a fuel option for DEMU services.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
Which train in India is the first to use LNG-diesel dual-fuel DEMU?
India's first LNG-diesel dual-fuel DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) train was flagged off from Sabarmati Station in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
What is India's longest DEMU train?
India's longest-running Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train was the Guntur–Kacheguda DEMU (train numbers 77281/77282), which covered a massive distance of 623 kilometers.
What type of train is DEMU?
A DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) train comes under the category of a self-propelled multiple-unit train.
