Railways’ Search for Alternate Source of Energy

Indian Railways have made efforts for introduction of bio-diesel and natural gas during the last five years. One hundred Diesel Power Cars (DPCs) of Diesel Electric Multiple Units (DEMU) have been sanctioned for dual-fuel conversion out of which contracts for conversion of fifty DPCs have already been awarded to enable them work on a mix of natural gas and diesel. Works for setting up of four bio-diesel plants with a capacity of 30 tonnes per day each have also been sanctioned. Contracts for first two plants, one each at Raipur and Tondiarpet (Chennai) have been awarded. Research, Development & Standards Organisation (RDSO) has also developed a specification for manufacture of locomotive based on hydrogen fuel cell. This apart, Railways are also harnessing wind and solar energy, wherever possible, for non-traction purposes.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Kotla Jaya Surya Prakash Reddy in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.