Indian Railways achieves a major landmark in the field of Eco friendly fuel technologies at Indian Railways Organisation for Alternate Fuel (IROAF) which has been awarded the coveted National level ‘Golden Peacock Award for the Year 2017 for Eco-Innovation' for substitution of fossil fuels (Diesel) by environment friendly CNG in DEMU passenger train services. Use of CNG in Train Sets for passenger transportation has been done for the first time in the world. The CNG based dual fuel 1400 HP engine used in DEMU trains developed by IROAF has successfully substituted diesel fuel with CNG up to 20%. This innovation will reduce emissions considerably by bringing down NOx by 16%, CO2 by 6% and Particulate Matter by 18% besides achieving economy in fuel cost by 8%. So far, 19 Engines of DEMUs have been successfully converted into CNG based dual fuel engines with this technology.

Present technology of 20% substitution of diesel by CNG, has potential to save up to Rs. 1360 crores annually if implemented over entire fleet of Diesel Locomotives of Indian Railways. An improved technology of 40% substitution is at present being developed by IROAF. This will enhance the potential of saving of fuel cost of IR to about Rs. 3400 crore per annum. The environmental benefits will also double with this improved approach, if successful.

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