20 per cent blended bio-diesel planned for diesel locos

New Delhi, May 17 (UNI) The Indian Railways have decided to run their diesel locomotives on blended bio-diesel fuel, starting from 10 per cent to 20 per cent blend, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

Minister of State for Railways R Velu said, in a written reply, that field trials have also ben conducted successfully with 20 per cent blend. Earlier, the Railways have successfully carried out the field trial using 10 per cent blend of bio-diesel on Jan Shatabdi Express between Lucknow and Allahabad.

The matter regarding floating of tenders for bulk buying of bio-diesel is under consideration, he said, adding that to assess the availability of bio-diesel, an expression of interest was called for February 20 this year, and about 25 parties participated in the meeting. The cost effectiveness of blending can only be judged after receipt of offers, he said.

The Minister said Railways have taken up plantation on spare available Railway land and a project for setting up of four esterification plants for production of bio-diesel is being contemplated.

UNI