The Times of India 24.12.2014
NMC plans biogas, biodiesel buses
NAGPUR:
On the lines of ethanol, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has started
the process to launch the nation’s first biogas and biodiesel city
buses. The two new biofuel buses will also be introduced on pilot basis
in line with a concept mooted by city MP and union minister of road
transport and highways Nitin Gadkari.
In association with
Swedish-bus maker Scania Commercial Vehicles India Limited, NMC has
successfully launched the pilot project of ethanol-run bus on August 22.
It was the initiative of Gadkari to boost sugar industries, farmers,
environment and also to reduce dependency on imported fuels to some
extent.
Along similar lines, Gadkari had directed mayor Pravin
Datke, municipal commissioner Shyam Wardhane and chairman of city
transport committee Sudhir Raut to launch buses run totally on biogas
and biodiesel.
“The plan is in very initial stage. The idea is
to launch pilot project of all three biofuels — ethanol, biogas and
biodiesel. NMC administration has started the process to prepare
detailed project report. Experts like Urban Mass Transit Company (UMTC)
or any private consultant will be roped in to prepare the report. Funds
for procurement of buses is a major issue and talks are going on with
the central government. The state government’s contribution will also be
taken,” Datke said.
TOI had highlighted Gadkari’s plan to set
up a biogas plant at Bhandewadi dumping yard. Gadkari had directed the
NMC administration to utilize methane being generated from treatment of
solid waste and sewage water to produce the biogas. He had also revealed
Scania’s plan to set up a biogas plant.
Earlier too Gadkari
had many times asked NMC office bearers and officials not to waste
methane generated at Bhandewadi dumping yard. He went on to say that NMC
office bearers and officials should run official vehicles on biogas
generated from the dumping yard.
Scania is manufacturing and
also operating buses run on biogas and biodiesel in foreign countries.
NMC sources told TOI Scania is likely to bring buses run on biogas and
biodiesel on the lines of ethanol. It even had plans to set up a biogas
plant near Bengaluru in Karnataka.
Sources added that Wardhane
is holding talks with UMTC and ministries of urban development and road
transport and highways for launch of biogas and biodiesel buses.
“Wardhane went to New Delhi on Tuesday in relation to the proposed
project. NMC’s City Transport Committee will take up the project once
the concept is cleared,” the sources said.
The city may hope to
see all types of biofuel-run eco-friendly buses in coming days. Gadkari
has already assured to approve additional buses to meet the city
mobility plan target of 1,200 buses in city bus service. Currently, city
bus service comprises 470 buses, of which hardly 210-220 are
operational.