(a) whether Railways have developed and tested a kit with which diesel engines can run on CNG;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the time by which the commercial run of CNG engines is likely to take place; and
(d) the ratio of cost variation between CNG and diesel run engines per 100 kilometer?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY)
(a) Yes, Madam.
(b) Railways have tested a kit for partial running of DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit)
engines on CNG. One such DEMU DPC has been developed and running at Shakurbasti diesel shed.
(c) One DEMU DPC is already in commercial service with CNG engine.
(d) The ratio of cost variation between CNG and diesel run engines per 100 kms i.e. saving
in using CNG with 20% diesel substitution as compared to 100% diesel operations in a DPC at
present is 13.4% approx.