In Mumbai, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde unveiled India's inaugural Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) powered bus on 15 March, Friday, slated for operation by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) as confirmed by an official source. According to a statement released by the state-operated transport corporation, plans are underway to convert gradually 5000 of its diesel vehicles into LNG-powered alternatives, highlighting that 34% of its overall expenses are currently attributed to diesel fuel for its expansive fleet of 16,000 buses.
The release stated, "Due to conversion of buses from diesel to LNG, pollution will reduce by 10 per cent and fuel cost will go down significantly. MSRTC has signed an MoU with M/s Kings Gas for the conversion of buses to LNG. It includes usage and supply of fuel."