Diesel locomotive used for passenger and freight services in India (Image: Wikipedia)
Indian Railways has decided to opt for liquefied natural gas (LNG) on a large scale as part of its staged effort to reduce diesel consumption, green house gas emissions and ensure major operational savings. According to a report by The Economic Times, Indian Railways and the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) have signed a MoU to explore the potential of LNG in a substantial manner in locomotives, factories and workshops. Natural gas will be sourced from the Middle East. A senior Railways official says significant fuel cost savings will be achieved by switching to LNG, and suggests the initiative may stimulate broader adoption of LNG as a primary fuel, in large part due to increased efficiencies and affordability of cryogenic cold chain supply.
