INOX India Limited (INOXCVA) supplied 2,200-litre liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving, storage and regasification systems for integration with 1,400 HP driving power cars of dual-fuel diesel electric multiple unit (DEMU) trains that Indian Railways operated during trials at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad. The deployment enabled dual-fuel operation by blending LNG with diesel and supported substitution of up to 40 per cent of diesel consumption on short and medium distance routes. The company positioned the equipment as a step towards energy-efficient, low-emission rail mobility and as an enabler of India’s rail decarbonisation efforts.

The initiative originated from Indian Railways' Alternative Fuels Division to convert an initial batch of 10 driving power units from conventional diesel engines to a dual-fuel hybrid model. INOXCVA delivered two units initially that underwent extensive trials and certification by Indian Railways at the Sabarmati Division and proved performance benchmarks required for induction of further units. Following validation, Indian Railways prepared to induct additional units and INOXCVA prepared to fulfil its contractual deliveries.

CLH Gaseous Fuel Applications Pvt. Ltd. managed the engine conversion from standalone diesel to a dual-fuel configuration, and INOXCVA supplied the cryogenic LNG tank systems through that partnership. The supplier stated it remained the sole technology provider in India to have delivered, tested and validated cryogenic LNG systems for rail applications and reported plans to double on board LNG capacity to enable longer-range operations beyond current shorter hauls. The technology was presented as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.

INOX India Limited described its broader capabilities in design engineering, manufacturing, supply and commissioning of cryogenic turnkey packaged systems and cited operations in India, Brazil and Europe with an installed user base across more than 100 countries and a network of after sales support associates in 25 countries. The company framed LNG as a transition fuel with liquid hydrogen identified as a future frontier for zero emission rail locomotives and emphasised its research and development strengths. Contact details for further information were provided by the company.