Railways go on green track

Government Ministry of Railways-run Indian Railways (IR) said it is developing technology to run trains on compressed natural gas (CNG). The Ministry of Railways commissioned two research projects focusing on using CNG not only to run suburban trains, but also to haul trains over long distances. About 200 trains fitted with CNG engines have begun trial runs in India. If the pilot test is successful, the Ministry of Railways said CNG-powered trains will be launched commercially. Initially, fuel used in the trains will be a 50% mix, which will gradually be increased to 70%. IR’s research and design arm, the Rail Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) is also working to modify existing diesel locomotive engines and adapt them to run on CNG. Rs 223 million(US$4.47 million) was earmarked by the government for the development of RDSO’s engine, which it hopes would be ready by 2010. (April 10, 2009)