Ethanol-run green bus set for trial runs in Nagpur

Nagpur received India’s first ethanol-run city passenger transport bus, which has been manufactured by Scania, the Sweden-based commercial vehicle and engine maker, for trial runs on Friday.

Scania Commercial Vehicles India Managing Director Anders Grundstomer handed over keys of this green bus to Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways, Shipping and Rural Development Nitin Gadkari.

Later, Gadkari flagged off the bus in the presence of Nagpur Municipal Corporation officials and other company executives.

In recent years, Scania has also delivered ethanol buses for commercial service in the UK, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Norway and other countries.

“Public transport on ethanol buses is a cost-effective way to reduce several environmental problems. Solutions we are now developing create the necessary pre-conditions for both more attractive forms of travel and also better living conditions in city centres, without requiring major investments in new infrastructure,” Grundstomer said.

With its ethanol-fuelled bus Scania has also introduced an engine complying with Bharat Stage 5, which is a huge step to minimise emissions further, he said.

Ethanol accounts for around 90 per cent of renewable vehicle fuels available in the world today and can be sourced locally, which also reduces the need to import oil.

“The use of ethanol as a vehicle fuel is the best example of what can be done here and now in sustainable development work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution,” Anders said.

In India, Scania buses and trucks have been specially designed to meet local conditions and customer requirements.