Shah launches LNG train and Rs 1,542 crore rail projects

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on September 27 flagged off India’s first LNG-powered train at Sabarmati railway station in Gujarat and announced railway projects worth more than Rs 1,542 crore. The projects include a WAG-12 locomotive maintenance shed, the Kavach train-protection system, automatic signalling and a railway line-doubling project. The train’s LNG system has been installed in two converted driving power cars, which can use LNG alongside diesel. According to the project description, LNG can replace about 40% of diesel use. The train made its inaugural run between Sabarmati and Mahesana, but its regular route had not been finalized. Project details describe it as an eight-coach, non-air-conditioned chair-car service. The announced works also include doubling the 21-kilometre Sabarmati-Sarkhej line, estimated to cost Rs 313.27 crore and targeted for completion by March 2028. The project is intended to increase capacity and support passenger and freight movement. The Kavach system is planned for 404 kilometres in Ahmedabad Division, while automatic block signalling has been provided across 122.57 kilometres, according to the project account.