India's first CNG train flagged off

Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu flagged off the first CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) based train from Haryana's Rewari station. 

These trains based on the dual fuel system - diesel and CNG - will reduce greenhouse gas emission and consumption of diesel. 

Prabhu launched the trains on Rewari-Rohtak and Rewari to Bikaner section. 

"We should fulfill people's demand. We should keep people away from hardship. That is why we have flagged of two trains for different destinations," said Prabhu. 

The Indian railway plans to start more such trains on other routes in due course to reduce diesel consumption. 

"Yes, this is the first CNG-based train of the country," said an Indian railway official, Virender Singh Verma. 

The train will consume over 20 percent of CNG, covering 81 kilometer distance in about two hours on Rewari-Rohtak section. 

"We have flagged off two trains - one from Rewari to Bikaner and another from Rewari to Rohtak. We will start more such trains," added Verma. 

Prabhu has emphasised on the use of alternative fuels in train operations, including use of solar and wind power.