Gujarat: Amit Shah inaugurates development projects worth Rs 1,472 crore, flags off country’s first LNG-powered train
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates projects worth Rs 1,472 crore in Gujarat, including India's first LNG-powered train and a new maintenance shed.
In a major boost to India's infrastructure and green energy initiatives, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated several development projects worth Rs 1,472 crore in Gujarat. A highlight of the event was the flagging off of the country’s first LNG-powered train from the Sabarmati Railway Station in Ahmedabad, marking a significant step toward environmental sustainability in the rail sector.
Transforming Sabarmati and Strengthening Rail Safety
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah highlighted the massive transformation of the Sabarmati Railway Station. He recalled that in the 1980s, passengers faced immense difficulties, often walking nearly two kilometres just to find transport from the station. Today, the station stands transformed with enhanced passenger amenities, improved connectivity, and advanced safety features.
To ensure passenger security, the 'Kavach' train protection system has been implemented on the Sabarmati–Kalol–Sabarmati rail section at a cost of ₹48 crore. Furthermore, work is underway to introduce 'Kavach' on the Ahmedabad–Palanpur and Ahmedabad–Samakhiali sections, alongside the doubling of the Sabarmati–Sarkhej railway line.
Revolutionizing Freight with WAG-12 Maintenance Shed
A significant portion of the investment has been directed toward locomotive maintenance. Shah inaugurated the WAG-12 Maintenance Shed, a facility constructed at a cost of ₹700 crore. This shed is dedicated to maintaining the high-capacity WAG-12 locomotives.
The WAG-12 is a technological marvel in Indian Railways, featuring a 12,000-horsepower twin-section capacity. This single locomotive can haul as much freight as 600 trucks, a task that previously required two separate locomotives. Shah noted that this advancement marks a historic milestone for the Indian Railways.
A Vision for Green and Efficient Railways
The introduction of the LNG-powered train is expected to contribute significantly to environmental conservation. Shah emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the railway network has undergone massive modernization since 2014.
Key achievements mentioned during the event include:
- Electrification: Railway electrification rose from a mere 30% to near completion during the current government's tenure.
- Freight Efficiency: The successful trial of the country’s first double-stack long-haul container train from JNPT, Mumbai, to Vadodara, which could potentially double freight capacity.
- Modern Technology: The introduction of hydrogen-powered trains, placing India among an elite group of only four nations with this technology.
- Infrastructure Growth: The development of Dedicated Freight Corridors, Rapid Rail Systems, and premium railway stations.
- Safety and Production: A 67% increase in the railway safety budget and a 66% rise in locomotive production capacity.
The Home Minister concluded by noting that the development works initiated today will serve as a cornerstone for regional growth and connectivity in the coming years.