Fuel For The Green Energy Movement: India’s First Compressed Natural Gas Powered Train Launched
Fuel For The Green Energy Movement: India’s First Compressed Natural Gas Powered Train Launched
India’s first CNG or compressed natural gas powered train has been launched by the Union Minister for Railways, Suresh Prabhu on 13th January 2015, Tuesday. The train was launched on the Rewari-Rohtak link of the Northern Zone. This is a major step forward for the adoption of green fuel in the Indian Railways. This will also help to reduce the GHG emission and the consumption of diesel.
Features of the CNG Powered Train
This train operates using the DEMU or CNG Diesel Electric Multiple Unit based on dual fuel. This comprises diesel and CNG. This train has been manufactured by Chennai based Integral Coach Factory via fumigation technology. This technology will lead to lowering in the operating cost of locomotives by over 50% with the aim of promoting eco-friendly operations.
Reducing GHG Emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions will also reduce as a consequence of using CNG powered trains. These trains will help to reduce carbon monoxide emissions by a total of 90% and carbon dioxide by 25%. This technology will also lower nitrogen oxide by around 35% and non-methane hydrocarbon emissions by around 50%.
CNG Trains To Charge Full Steam Ahead
The Union Railway Ministry is also planning to run more CNG trains in the future for reducing diesel consumption. Natural gas reserves such as conventional natural gas, shale gas and gas hydrates will also ensure that technology comes in use and impacts the GHG emission levels in the nation.“Test trials are being run for increased usage of CNG. This train service will be the first commercial usage of the alternate fuel to power a passenger train,” a ministry official has informed the IANS.
The passenger train which has recently been flagged off from Rewari has the added advantage of running on both CNG and diesel. The train initially consumed 20% CNG during the 81 km distance on this journey. “Gradually, the CNG usage will be increased to around 50 percent. Currently, test trials are being conducted for the increased usage of CNG,” the official was reported as saying.
“Not only will this step reduce the carbon footprint of the railways, it will also provide capacity to use a cheaper alternate fuel source in the future,” the official added.
Pocket Friendly As Well As Eco-Friendly
The CNG friendly train is integrated with 1,400 HP engine to run on dual fuel via fumigation technology. It can run up to speeds of 100 km per hour. The CNG conversion kit has been supplied by Cummins. This successful implementation is a major movement forward for the adoption of green fuel by the Indian Railways. This will lead to reduction of GHG emissions and consumption of diesel. Conventional trains powered by diesel and electricity are much costlier. Adoption of CNG rail locomotives is a “win win” situation which is cost-effective and environment-friendly at the same time.
