INOX India Limited (INOXCVA) supplied 2,200 litre liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving, storage and regasification systems for integration with 1,400 horsepower driving power units (DPUs) of dual-fuel diesel electric multiple unit (DEMU) trains deployed by Indian Railways at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad. The systems were engineered to enable dual-fuel operation using LNG and diesel and to support a reduction in diesel consumption of up to 40 per cent while lowering greenhouse gas emissions. INOXCVA is the sole manufacturer and supplier in India of such cryogenic systems for rail applications.

The initiative originated with the Alternative Fuels Division of Indian Railways to convert an initial batch of 10 DPUs from conventional diesel to a hybrid model running on LNG and diesel, with CLH Gaseous Fuel Applications Pvt. Ltd. responsible for the engine conversions. INOXCVA had earlier delivered two units that underwent trials and certification at the Sabarmati Division and, following successful validation, Indian Railways has prepared to induct additional units under the existing contract. Plans are under way to double the on-board LNG capacity to enable longer runs beyond the current shorter hauls.

Operational deployment of the dual-fuel DEMU represents a step in advancing energy-efficient, low-emission rail mobility and reinforces the role of cryogenic technology in India’s decarbonisation efforts. The technology is expected to make DEMU services, which serve short and medium distance routes, significantly more energy efficient and environmentally responsible while enhancing operational efficiency and long-term energy security. CLH and INOXCVA have completed delivery, testing and validation of the cryogenic LNG systems for rail use.

INOX India’s leadership in design engineering, manufacturing and commissioning of cryogenic turnkey packaged systems underpins the company’s strategy to support cleaner mobility, with research and development directed at future fuels such as liquid hydrogen. The company reported wide international operations and after-sales networks, positioning its solutions for broader adoption across industrial and automotive sectors. Indian Railways’ adoption of the dual-fuel solution is being presented as a transitional pathway towards lower emissions across the rail network.