Mammoth Indian Railways Mulls Switch From Diesel to LNG

Faced with high fuel costs in running its fleet of diesel trains, India’s railways ministry has initiated grand plans to retrofit diesel locomotives and make them run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), cutting fuel costs by as much as 40%, Hindustan Times has reported.

In his upcoming budget speech next month, the minister is likely to elaborate on plans for inducting state-of-the-art technology to make Indian locomotives run on LNG.

Canadian green engine maker Westport Innovations Inc has been roped in by the Railways for technological support.

"The Rail Design and Standards Organisation will soon conduct trials on 100 diesel locomotives. The trials will be completed within one year," the newspaper said quoting a source.