Indian Railways has operationalised the nation’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-diesel dual-fuel diesel electric multiple unit (DEMU) train at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, following installation of 2,200-litre LNG receiving, storage and regasification systems supplied by INOX India Limited (INOXCVA). The systems were integrated with 1,400 HP driving power cars (DPUs) of the dual-fuel DEMU to enable simultaneous use of LNG and diesel. INOXCVA supplied these cryogenic systems as part of its contract with Indian Railways.

The cryogenic systems were engineered to permit substitution of up to 40 per cent of diesel with LNG, improving fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions on short and medium-distance routes. The initiative was developed by Indian Railways’ Alternative Fuels Division to convert an initial batch of 10 DPUs from conventional diesel to a dual-fuel hybrid model. Earlier deliveries included two units which underwent trials and certification by Indian Railways at the Sabarmati division.

Following successful trials, Indian Railways has signalled readiness to induct additional units and INOXCVA has indicated readiness to deliver further systems under the contract. CLH Gaseous Fuel Applications Pvt. Ltd managed the engine conversion from standalone diesel to dual-fuel operation and facilitated delivery of the LNG fuel tank system. INOXCVA remains the only technology provider in India to have delivered, tested and validated such cryogenic LNG systems for rail applications.

INOX India positions LNG as a transition fuel while pursuing liquid hydrogen for future zero-emission solutions, reflecting the company’s research and development focus and decades of cryogenic expertise. The company, with operations in India, Brazil and Europe, serves a user base across more than 100 countries and maintains after-sales support associates in 25 countries. Plans are under way to double on-board LNG capacity so that dual-fuel trains can cover longer distances beyond current shorter hauls. The deployment is presented as a significant step in India’s rail decarbonisation and in advancing energy-efficient rail mobility.