In a major announcement aimed at moving towards eco-friendly fuel, the state budget 2016-17 has announced to introduce CNG buses in Kochi city on a pilot-basis by the KSRTC. If implemented, it will be the first of its kind in the state. CNG buses are beneficial to cities like Kochi as it will help reduce pollution levels.
The CM has allotted Rs 19.61 crore for purchase of new energy efficient single/multi-axle buses for interstate/intra-state service operation and for CNG buses. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) (methane stored at high pressure) can be used in place of petrol, diesel fuel and propane/LPG. As the liquefied natural gas terminal is situated at Puthuvypeen, the availability of the fuel is not an issue as Petronet LNG itself is planning to set up an L-CNG facility at Puthuvypeen. At present, diesel buses in the market are available at Rs 39 lakh. CNG buses are available at Rs 42 lakh. In the long run, CNG buses will help minimise operational costs.
On a global level, share of natural gas in the energy mix has grown from 16 per cent to more than 21 per cent in the past 40 years. Gas generates 22 per cent of the world’s electricity whereas oil only four per cent.
