New Delhi, August 30, 2018: Indian Railways and GAIL (India) Limited took a significant step, today, towards expanding usage of environment-friendly fuel, Natural Gas across all applications of the Indian Railways by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU was signed in the presence of Ashwani Lohani, Chairman, Railway Board and B C Tripathi, Chairman and Managing Director, GAIL, by Gajendra Singh Director (Marketing) and Chetram, Chief Administrative Officer Indian Railways.
This historic partnership will pave the way for supply of Natural Gas to Railway workshops, integral coach factories, loco workshops, DEMU sheds, etc. located along the existing and upcoming pipeline networks of GAIL. Along the prestigious eastern India pipeline project under execution- ‘Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga’ network alone there is a scope to supply natural gas to over 10 workshops of Indian Railways and shall be connected in a phased manner.
MoU between the two leading organisations of the country is a step towards fulfilling Central Government’s vision of developing a Gas-based economy in India and progress towards expanding the share of Natural Gas in the energy mix from 6.5 % to 15 %. This endeavour shall reduce carbon foot-prints of IR and contribute positively towards achieving COP21 commitments.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashwani Lohani, Chairman Railway Board directed that all 23 workshops should start using Natural Gas by 31st December 2018, and further that all 54 workshops and Production Units should be covered by 30th June 2019. Chairman Railway Board further directed that all railway establishments, including base kitchens of IRCTC, all guest houses and hostels and Railway divisions should start using Natural Gas by 30th June 2019. It was also decided that GAIL and IROAF would prepare a report on implementation of Natural Gas in Railway workshops by 30th September 2018.
