Amit Shah to launch Rs 1,542 Cr rail projects, flag off India's first LNG train
Union Minister Amit Shah will flag off India's first LNG-powered train and launch railway projects worth over Rs 1,542 crore in Gujarat on Sept 27.
In a massive boost to India's railway infrastructure and green energy transition, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah is set to unveil a series of transformative railway projects in Gujarat. On September 27, the Minister will visit Sabarmati to inaugurate, lay foundation stones, and flag off projects valued at more than Rs 1,542 crore.
The high-profile event will see the historic flagging off of India's first LNG-powered train, marking a significant milestone in the nation's journey toward sustainable and cleaner transportation.
A Green Revolution on Tracks
One of the most anticipated highlights of the day is the introduction of LNG-based train technology. As part of this eco-friendly initiative, two 1,400 HP Driving Power Cars at the Sabarmati Integrated Coaching Depot have been upgraded to diesel-LNG dual fuel systems. This conversion allows LNG to replace approximately 40 per cent of diesel consumption.
This shift is expected to deliver dual benefits: significantly lower fuel costs and a reduction in harmful emissions, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, paving the way for more sustainable railway operations.
Enhancing Safety with Indigenous Kavach Technology
Safety remains a top priority for the Indian Railways, and the upcoming projects place a heavy emphasis on advanced protection systems. A major component of the announcement involves the implementation of the Standard Kavach automatic train protection system across the Ahmedabad division.
- Total Network Coverage: 404 km of the railway network.
- Estimated Cost: Approximately Rs 411 crore.
- Key Sections: 157 km on the Ahmedabad-Palanpur section and 247 km on the Ahmedabad-Samakhiyali section.
The indigenous Kavach system is designed to prevent collisions, protect against overspeeding, and mitigate accidents caused by human error, thereby increasing the overall reliability of train operations.
Boosting Capacity and Infrastructure
Beyond safety and sustainability, the projects aim to modernize maintenance and expand route capacity:
WAG-12 Locomotive Maintenance Shed
A new maintenance facility for WAG-12 electric locomotives has been constructed at Sabarmati at an estimated cost of Rs 700 crore. This shed will cater to 300 high-horsepower locomotives, each boasting a 12,000 HP capacity, specifically designed to haul heavy and long freight trains.
Automatic Block Signalling
To ensure smoother movement and increased route capacity, an automatic block signalling system is being introduced on 122.57 km of track. This covers the Sabarmati-Kalol-Bhandu Motidau and Sabarmati-Sanand-Jakhwada sections at a cost of roughly Rs 118.83 crore, helping maintain safe distances between trains.
Sabarmati-Sarkhej Line Doubling
The Sabarmati-Sarkhej railway line doubling project, costing Rs 313.27 crore, will cover a 21-km stretch. Targeted for completion by March 2028, this project will involve upgrades to stations such as Gandhigram, Vastrapur, and Sarkhej, along with new bridges and underpasses. This expansion is crucial for improving connectivity to the Sarkhej-Dholera region and supporting local industrial growth.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The landmark event in Sabarmati will be attended by several prominent leaders, including Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and Minister of State Darshanaben Vaghela. Other notable attendees include MPs Hasmukhbhai Patel and Dineshbhai Makwana, and Ahmedabad Mayor Hiteshbhai Barot.