Tamil Nadu to Launch Trial of LNG Buses in Chennai, Aims to Cut Fuel Costs

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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