AHMEDABAD, September 28 — In a major breakthrough for clean transport infrastructure, Indian Railways flagged off India's first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered train from Sabarmati Railway Station in Gujarat on Monday.
Developed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), the indigenous dual-fuel conversion technology retrofits standard diesel-electric traction units to operate on an LNG-diesel blend. The system cuts carbon dioxide emissions by over 11%, reduces particulate matter emissions by 80%, and yields up to a 20% reduction in operating fuel expenses.
Ministry of Railways officials affirmed that the successful deployment provides a scalable clean-fuel alternative for non-electrified routes as part of the national mission to achieve 'Net Zero Carbon Emitter' status by 2030.
Sustainable transport systems and alternative energy technologies are core topics in general science and environment syllabi. Candidates should note that Indian Railways is committed to becoming the world's largest green railway network with a net-zero carbon footprint target by 2030.