Nagpur gets India's first ethanol-run bus

Launching India's first ethanol-run bus in the city on a pilot basis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that a Bill to make provision for running vehicles on bio-fuels and hybrid electric would be tabled in the Parliament in the next session. Gadkari also said that the country can reduce petrol, diesel and gas imports by at least Rs two lakh crore annually by using alternative fuels.

During the launch on Friday, the Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping said the Centre would provide 200-500 ethanol-run buses to Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) under the 'Green Bus' project.

"The country imports petrol, diesel and gas worth over ~6 lakh crore every year. India can reduce the imports by at least ~2 lakh crore by using alternative fuels. Ethanol-run bus project is the first initiative in this direction.

"Four states-- Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu -- will be the major beneficiaries from the project as they produce ethanol in large quantities," Gadkari said. The green fuel also conserves environment by reducing pollution, he said. "Such renewable fuels can boost our nation's economy and improve the farmers condition who are committing suicide. Other such alternative sources like hybrid electric can boost automobile and other sectors.

"Indian companies are launching hybrid electric-run buses in other countries.Ashok Leyland has launched buses in London. Therefore, my Ministry is bringing a policy to exempt electric-run vehicles from tax," the minister said.

Executives from Swedish bus maker Scania, led by its India managing director Anders Grundstromer was present at the launch and handed over a symbolic key to city mayor Anil Sole. Rajya Sabha MP Ajay Sancheti and former MP Datta Meghe along with Municipal Commissioner Shyam Wardhane was also present on the occasion.

Joint secretary of Ministry of Road transport and Highways, Sanjay Bandopadhyaya said test run of ethanol-run bus would be for one year and teams from Pune-based Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), NMC and Ministry will maintain data.