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India's First LNG Train Rolls Out
27 Sep
Summary
- India flagged off its first LNG-powered train on September 27.
- The train uses a dual-fuel system running on LNG and diesel.
- This initiative aims to reduce emissions and fuel costs.
On September 27, India's first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-powered train was flagged off, signaling a major advancement in the nation's pursuit of cleaner and alternative energy sources for its railway system.
The train is equipped with a pioneering dual-fuel technology, enabling its engines to operate on either LNG or diesel, depending on the fuel's availability. This system was implemented on two 1,400 HP Driving Power Cars (DPCs) after extensive field trials covering over 2,000 kilometers, confirming its reliability and performance.
Indian Railways anticipates that the adoption of LNG will significantly reduce diesel consumption and decrease emissions of pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. This environmental benefit is coupled with substantial cost savings, as LNG is cheaper than diesel, with estimated annual savings of approximately Rs 11.9 lakh per DPC.
Each DPC can carry approximately 950-1,000 kg of usable LNG in its 2,200-liter tank, sufficient for around 444 km of daily operation. Crucially, the dual-fuel system ensures that the train's power and performance remain comparable to conventional diesel engines, offering a sustainable and efficient future for rail transportation.
