(a) whether the Railways have set up a Joint Working Group for plant sapplings on the vacant land along the rail lines in order to produce bio-diesel from the seeds of plants;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether bio-diesel is likely to be cost-effective and environment friendly;
(d) if so, the details thereof? and
(e) the progress of the Research and Development (R&D) studies conducted in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)
(a) & (b): No, Madam. Indian Railways, however, is exploring the possibilities
for plantation of Jatropha trees along the Railway track.
(c) & (d): Do not arise.
(e): RDSO, Lucknow has undertaken testing of bio-diesels. It has been found that
B 10 Blend i.e. 10% bio-diesel in HSD oil can be used on our existing diesel engines
without need for any major modification.