Tamil Nadu is set to initiate a trial of two buses powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in Chennai. This move by the Tamil Nadu transport department aims to reduce fuel costs and offer commuters a more comfortable travel experience.
Trial Details
- The trial will include one bus from the Villupuram division of the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) on a mofussil route.
- The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) will deploy another bus on a city route.
- The project may expand if the trial is successful, benefiting all eight transport corporations in the state.
Benefits of LNG Buses
- LNG buses offer reduced fuel expenses compared to conventional diesel buses.
- They provide improved travel comfort for commuters.
- LNG buses have lower pollution levels compared to diesel buses.
Technical Details
- The conversion of buses to LNG is currently underway in Villupuram and Chennai.
- An LNG bus can cover approximately 850-900km with a 180-kg cryogenic tank filled to full capacity.
- Factors such as road conditions, crowding, and maintenance expenses will be considered during the trial.
Financial Impact
- The transport department’s annual expenditure for FY 2022-23 stood at Rs 16,985 crore, with fuel costs alone constituting 28.35% of it, at Rs 5,194.68 crore.
- Fuel costs accounted for 15-18% of total expenses during FY 2018-19.
- The average daily loss incurred by all eight transport corporations in the state during FY 2022-23 stood at Rs 15 crore.
Future Plans
- The state government proposed to replace 3,313 BSIV buses with BSVI buses to reduce pollution levels.
- It also decided to purchase 500 zero-emission electric buses last year.
- Over 600 BSVI buses have already been procured, and the process for the remaining buses is in progress.
The trial of LNG buses in Chennai marks a significant step towards reducing fuel costs and pollution levels in Tamil Nadu’s transport sector. If successful, the project could lead to a broader adoption of LNG buses, benefiting both the environment and commuters.
Source : newindianexpress
