In what could be considered as a milestone in adoption of green fuel in Indian Railways, the first CNG train will be launched tomorrow on Rewari-Rohtak section of Northern zone.
Based on the dual fuel system - diesel and CNG - the train will be flagged off by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu from Rewari, a senior Railway Ministry official.
Introduction of CNG trains will reduce greenhouse gas emission by the Railways and also the consumption of diesel.
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 - diesel and CNG - through fumigation technology.
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 Integral Coach Factory at Chennai with the CNG conversion kit being supplied by Cummins.
Development of a CNG conversion technology which will permit utilisation of over 60 per cent CNG is also underway, he said, adding "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.
