Tamil Nadu Launches CNG and LNG Buses to Cut Costs and Emissions

In a bid to reduce environmental impact and operational costs, Tamil Nadu has introduced CNG and LNG buses on select routes. This experimental initiative aims to cut expenses by up to 20% and lessen the state's carbon footprint. About 1.76 crore people use the 20,160 diesel buses daily, making fuel a significant cost factor.

In an effort to curb the environmental impact and operational costs associated with diesel buses, the Tamil Nadu government on Thursday introduced CNG and LNG buses for select routes, in an experimental initiative.

This transition to alternative fuels is expected to save between 7-20 per cent of total expenses and significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the state transport department. Currently, approximately 1.76 crore people are serviced by 20,160 diesel buses operated by various transport corporations each day, with nearly 27 per cent of their expenses attributed to fuel costs.

Following Chief Minister M K Stalin's directive to adopt alternate fuels, Transport Minister S S Sivasankar announced that 14 buses using Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) would be operated by seven transport corporations on a trial basis. The new service was formally launched in transport corporations operating in Chennai, Villupuram, and Kumbakonam during an official function.

In addition, the minister handed out appointment orders on compassionate grounds to 49 legal heirs of transport corporation employees who lost their lives while on duty.