Title - Railways to use CNG for diesel locomotives

The Indian Railways proposes to utilise natural gas as fuel for its fleet of diesel locomotives in line with the international trend. This will have a substantial effect on reducing the emission of carbon and in making the railway system environment-friendly, the railway minister, Mr Mallikarjun Kharge, said here today.Inaugurating the 10th edition of the International Rail Exhibition and Conference organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, Mr Kharge said the Railways in collaboration with the Research, Design and Standard Organisation (RDSO), has taken up various projects on using natural gas as fuel for its fleet of diesel locomotives.The RDSO is also working on developing highly fuel-efficient efficient diesel locomotives. Mr Kharge disclosed that an Indian manufacturer has established a joint venture with a reputed foreign firm for design and development of the system under the overall supervision of the RDSO.

Mr Kharge said FDI was welcome in infrastructure projects, such as the elevated rail corridor in Mumbai, high speed rails and dedicated freight corridor.

The FDI is also open for factories in rolling stock, such as locomotives and coaches, he stated.

Referring to the ambitious project of Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC), Mr Kharge said it would be a game changer for connectivity and freight easing all transportation significantly by connecting the northern hinterland and similarly the eastern side to the plants in the north. There is considerable scope for private public partnership in railways in general and DFC in particular, the minister said.

Freight terminals, parts of the DFC, redevelopment of stations and elevated rail corridor in Mumbai are areas proposed for private investment during the 12th Plan period, he said.