The country’s first CNG train would chug on the Rewari-Rohtak section of the Northern Railway zone on Tuesday marking a major landmark in adoption of green fuel in Indian Railways. Based on the dual fuel system — CNG and diesel — the train will be flagged off by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu from Rewari.
Prabhu has given emphasis on the use of alternative fuel in train operation including use of solar and wind power to reduce dependence on conventional energy. Railways have modified the 1,400 HP engine to run on dual fuel through fumigation technology and introduction of CNG trains will reduce greenhouse gas emission by the Railways and also the consumption of diesel.
The Rewari passenger train will consume over 20 per cent of the CNG, covering 81 km long distance in about two hours. Railways had earlier conducted a trial run in the section. According to the official, there are plans to run more such CNG trains in due course to reduce diesel consumption.
The train comprising of two power cars and six car coaches has been manufactured by ICF Chennai with the CNG conversion kit being supplied by Cummins. A senior railway official said that development of a CNG conversion technology to permit utilisation of over 60 per cent CNG is also underway and thereafter switch over to lNG technology is also being planned as that will enable higher fuel carrying capacity.
Besides Rewari-Rohtak, Prabhu will also launch another passenger service between Rewari and Bikaner as announced in the Rail Budget 2014-15.