INOX India's LNG Systems Power Indian Railways' Historic LNG Fuel Trial for DEMU Trains

Nation’s First LNG-Diesel Dual-Fuel Train Operationalized at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad

NEW DELHI, February 2026 — Indian Railways has achieved a historic milestone in its decarbonization journey by successfully operationalizing the nation's first LNG-diesel dual-fuel Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train. The breakthrough, piloted at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, was enabled by INOX India Limited (INOXCVA), a global leader in cryogenic technology.

INOXCVA supplied advanced 2,200-litre LNG Receiving, Storage, and Regasification Systems, which were integrated into 1,400 HP Driving Power Cars (DPUs). This technology allows for a seamless hybrid operation that significantly reduces the environmental footprint of short- and medium-distance rail routes.

Decarbonizing the Tracks: The 40% Substitution Impact

The primary objective of the dual-fuel initiative is to bridge the gap between traditional diesel power and full electrification. By utilizing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), the system achieves a substantial shift in operational efficiency.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Fuel Substitution: Enables nearly 40% substitution of diesel with cleaner LNG.

• Emission Reduction: Significantly lowers greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including Carbon Dioxide ($CO_2$) and Nitrogen Oxides ($NO_x$).

• Cost Efficiency: Trial estimates suggest an annual saving of approximately ₹23.9 lakh per eight-coach DEMU rake.

• Operational Reach: The current 2,200-litre tank allows for approximately 222 km of daily operation on a single refill.

"The ability to substitute up to 40% of diesel with LNG is not just a technological milestone—it marks a decisive shift in how large-scale rail mobility can be decarbonized," said Deepak Acharya, CEO of INOX India Ltd. "We see LNG as a powerful transition fuel and liquid hydrogen as the next frontier."

Technical Synergy: INOXCVA and CLH Gaseous Fuel

The successful conversion of the 1,400 HP engines required a collaborative engineering effort:

• INOXCVA: Provided the cryogenic hardware—the 2,200L tank and the critical regasification systems that convert liquid LNG back into gas for engine intake.

• CLH Gaseous Fuel Applications Pvt Ltd: Responsible for the complex engine conversion from standalone diesel to the dual-fuel hybrid configuration.

This partnership, initially envisioned by the erstwhile Indian Railways Alternative Fuels Division (IRAOF), plans to convert an initial batch of 10 DPUs following the validated performance of the pilot units.

FAQ.

Why use LNG instead of full electrification?

While electrification is the long-term goal, LNG serves as a critical "transition fuel" for non-electrified routes. It offers immediate emission reductions and fuel cost savings without the massive infrastructure investment required for overhead electrification.

What is the future roadmap for this technology?

Plans are already underway to double the on-board LNG capacity. This will allow DEMU trains to travel significantly longer distances, moving beyond current short-haul routes to interstate medium-distance operations.

Is INOXCVA the only provider of this technology?

Currently, INOXCVA is the only technology provider in India to have successfully delivered, tested, and validated these specific innovative cryogenic LNG systems for rail applications.