Scania Commercial Vehicles India Pvt. Ltd. handed over on August 22 India’s first ethanol-fuelled city bus to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) for trial run in the city. Mr. Anders Grundströmer, Managing Director, Scania Commercial Vehicles India, and Senior Vice President, Scania Group, and Mr. Sivakumar V, Director – Sales, Scania Commercial Vehicles India, handed over the bus keys to Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Rural Development, in the presence of Mr. Sanjay Gangopadhyaya, Jt. Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Prof. Anil Sole, Mayor, Nagpur City, and Mr. Shyam Wardhane, NMC Commissioner. The key hand-over was followed by the flag-off of the bus by Mr. Gadkari in the presence of NMC officials.
Expressing his views on the handover, Mr. Anders Grundströmer said: “We are delighted and proud to be able to venture this unique initiative along with NMC. This represents an important step towards our common goal, the realization of energy-efficient and sustainable public transportation solutions in India. We have expertise and experience with ethanol-run buses for more than 20 years. We view ethanol as the future for public transport. 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.”
There is now a growing interest in ethanol-operated vehicles. In recent years, Scania has also delivered ethanol buses for commercial service in Great Britain, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Norway and other countries.
Ethanol accounts for around 90 per cent of renewable vehicle fuels available in the world today and can be sourced locally, which will reduce the need for import of oil. It is the most cost-effective biofuel in the market in terms of availability, infrastructure and accessibility. Compared to a conventional diesel engine, ethanol-powered vehicles can reduce fossil carbon dioxide emissions by up to 90 per cent. Ethanol also offers the best operating radius of the currently available renewable fuels for city center and urban operations.
“Public transport on ethanol buses is a cost effective way of reducing several of the city’s environmental problems. The solutions we are now developing create the necessary preconditions for both more attractive forms of travel and also better living conditions in city centers, without requiring major investments in new infrastructure. With this ethanol bus we also introduce an engine complying with Bharat stage 5, which is a huge step to minimize emissions further. Biofuel is the sustainable solution for urban public transport here and now,” Mr. Anders Grundströmer added.
Scania has delivered ethanol buses for more than 20 years to countries around the globe with successful operational and environmental results. Ethanol fuel has much lower CO2 emissions compared to a diesel engine. The technology is mature and viable for intense everyday city service, as verified by bus operators in cities all over the world.
Scania adds KSRTC to growing Metrolink customer list
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has just introduced Scania Metrolink HD inter-city luxury line from Bangalore to Chennai (14.5 m) and from Bangalore to Tirupathi (13.7 m), on trial basis to provide convenient, comfortable and affordable transportation to passengers.
Mr. Ramalinga Reddy, Karnataka Minister for Transport, inaugurated the new services on August 4 at the KSRTC Central Office in the presence of Mr. B.N.S. Reddy, KSRTC Managing Director, Mr. Sivakumar, Director – Sales, Scania Commercial Vehicles India Pvt. Ltd., and other dignitaries.
The Minister said on the occasion: “For the first time in the Indian road transport history, KSRTC is introducing Scania Metrolink HD for the travellers. These buses commute passengers from Bangalore to Chennai and from Bangalore to Tirupathi, and vice versa. The buses will offer enhanced convenience, safety and comfort for the passengers.”
The key attributes of the Metrolink coaches are R66 Standard – best possible safety even in case of roll-over and accident, tested and certified by TUV, Germany; the Fleet Management System (FMS), a computer-based service that connects vehicles to a vehicle operators office system via wireless links and internet; the blended Scania retarder that not only reduces braking system wear and tear, but boosts safety by keeping the service brakes cold for full emergency performance when a driver needs it most; ergonomically designed reclining passenger seats; three foldable LCDs for entertainment; easily accessible emergency exit; the fire suppression system installed in the engine compartment area; and 47 seats in a 13.7 m coach and 51 seats in a 14.5 m coach.