Tata Motors, Indian Oil, Petronet and Petroleum Ministry launch India’s first LNG-fuelled bus

For the first time in India, a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) fuelled bus was launched in a joint effort between Petronet LNG (PLL), Indian Oil Corporation and Tata Motors.

The bus was launched yesterday by the Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan in the presence of the Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan at Thiruvananthapuram. 

The LNG-fuelled bus is being launched as part of a plan of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to use LNG directly for mass transportation and to reduce carbon emissions in the country simultaneously generating savings. The launch also coincided with the fourth meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM) holding transport portfolios.

The bus was brought to PLL Kochi LNG terminal for LNG filling. LNG fuel tank was provided by USA-based Chart Industries. As it is a pilot project, the LNG-driven bus will run on trial basis before it can be certified for commercial application.

Speaking on the occasion, Dharmendra Pradhan complemented the Kerala’s chief minister for kick starting a new era of gas-based transportation in the state.

“History is being scripted with the test run of LNG bus; this can connect far off places whereas CNG can be used within cities. LNG,CNG will be a big step in meeting COP-21 targets. Further, Indian Oil will develop CNG infrastructure and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) network in the state of Kerala. I have requested the assistance of the Kerala government in laying gas pipeline by GAIL from Kochi to Mengaluru which would strengthen gas penetration in Kerala. I have also requested the state to withdraw the recently introduced VAT on natural gas to encourage use of LNG & CNG,” said Dharmendra Pradhan in a series of tweets.

“The Indian government has already announced that it is planning to use LNG, which is cheaper than diesel, as a fuel for railways and long-haul transportation. The KSRTC, which has a fleet of 6,000 buses, has already announced plans to use natural gas. LNG is greener as well as more economical as compared to diesel. LNG is more suitable for heavy duty segment like trucks and buses,” said an official government statement.

Along with the LNG bus, Dharmendra Pradhan also flagged off an electric bus, CNG bus, solar-powered auto rickshaw and an electric rickshaw.

LNG is an environmentally friendly fuel with less number of No_x, So_x and particulate matters, as compared to any other automotive fuel. Co₂ emission is also lesser than diesel. The introduction of LNG in transport segment will also help India to meet its COP21 commitment.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) has already released draft notifcation for use of LNG as an automotive fuel. Final notification is expected to be released soon. Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) has formed an expert committee to form regulations for installation of LNG Fuel tank and dispensing stations, which is also expected to be released at an early date.