Amit Shah flags off India's first LNG-powered train
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched India's first LNG-powered train from Sabarmati Station, marking a major step in green railway transformation.
In a landmark moment for the Indian Railways, Union Home Minister Amit Shah officially flagged off the nation's very first LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)-powered train from the Sabarmati Railway Station in Ahmedabad on Sunday. This historic launch, part of a series of major railway projects in the Sabarmati Division, signals a massive shift toward greener and more sustainable transportation in the country.
A Massive Transformation for Sabarmati
The Sabarmati Railway Station has undergone a complete overhaul, evolving into a modern hub of connectivity and comfort. Speaking at the event, Amit Shah highlighted the scale of the upgrades, noting that a significant investment of ₹1,472 crore has been poured into the station and its surrounding infrastructure.
The Home Minister emphasized that these new projects are designed to tackle three critical pillars of modern rail travel:
- Environmental Sustainability: Reducing the carbon footprint through cleaner fuels like LNG.
- Passenger Convenience: Modernizing facilities to ensure a smoother journey for commuters.
- Enhanced Safety: Implementing advanced systems to bolster passenger security.
"Seeing Sabarmati Station now, after so long, is remarkable," Shah remarked, extending his congratulations to the Sabarmati Railway Division and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the successful transformation.
The Race to Zero Diesel Dependency
One of the most striking revelations during the ceremony was the dramatic reduction in the Indian Railways' reliance on diesel. Amit Shah shared data showing a steep decline in fuel consumption, illustrating the government's commitment to electrification and cleaner energy.
Diesel Consumption Trends:
According to the Home Minister, the numbers tell a story of rapid progress:
- 2015-16: The railways consumed 293 crore litres of diesel.
- 2024-25: Consumption has plummeted to 108 crore litres.
- 2030 Goal: The target is to reach zero diesel consumption.
Shah noted that this shift is not just an environmental victory but also a significant economic one, as it saves vast amounts of Indian currency by reducing imports and dependency on traditional fuels.
Rapid Electrification: Closing the Gap
The scale of electrification in India has seen an exponential surge in recent years. Shah pointed out that while the railways managed to electrify only 75 kilometres in the 2010-11 period, the pace has accelerated to a staggering 7,188 kilometres in the single year of 2023-24.
Currently, 99.6 per cent of the railway network is electrified, with the government working to complete the remaining fraction. Shah compared this progress to global standards, mentioning that while Sweden has achieved 100 per cent electrification, the sheer scale of India's network makes its rapid progress even more significant.
Political Sparring in Ahmedabad
The event also served as a platform for political critique. Amit Shah took aim at the Congress party, contrasting the current administration's development milestones with the previous decade. He alleged that while the previous government was marred by scams and corruption totaling ₹12 lakh crore, the current leadership under PM Modi has maintained a clean record regarding corruption allegations over the last 12 years.
Prior to the railway launch, the Home Minister also participated in a religious programme in Ahmedabad celebrating the 92nd birthday of Acharya Shri Padmasagar Surishwar Ji Maharaj.