Tamil Nadu Introduces CNG and LNG Buses to Reduce Costs and Emissions in Transport Sector

The Tamil Nadu government has launched a new initiative aimed at reducing the environmental impact and costs associated with running buses. CNG and LNG buses will be introduced on select routes on an experimental basis. The use of these alternative fuels is expected to save the government 7-20 percent on total expenses and help reduce the carbon footprint of the state’s transport department. Currently, 20,160 diesel buses serve around 1.76 crore people daily, with fuel costs accounting for 27 percent of the total expenses. Following the directive of Chief Minister M K Stalin, Minister for Transport S S Sivasankar announced the operation of 14 buses using LNG and CNG by seven transport corporations on an experimental basis. This new service was formally launched in the transport corporations operated by Chennai, Villupuram, and Kumbakonam. Additionally, the minister handed out appointment orders to 49 legal heirs of employees of transport corporations who lost their lives while on duty.