Tata Motors has launched the country’s first Bio-CNG (bio-methane) bus at the recently concluded Bio-energy programme – ‘Urja Utsav’. Designed and developed by Tata Motors, the bio-methane engines (5.7 SGI & 3.8 SGI) for LCV, ICV and MCV buses were displayed at the event. Alongside the engines, the company showcased the Tata LPO 1613 with 5.7 SGI NA BS-IV, IOBD-II compliant bus. The Tata LPO 1613 is already in operation by Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML). Organised by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, the launch took place in the presence of Minister of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan and Minister of State with Independent Charge for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines, Piyush Goyal. Averred Girish Wagh, Head, Commercial Vehicles Business, Tata Motors, “Tata Motors has been at the fore front in pioneering latest technologies and providing smart city solutions in the commercial vehicle industry. We are delighted to present yet another product with innovation in alternate fuel technologies, to cater to the need for a greener country.” “The use of Bio-CNG will contribute in a positive manner to the Smart Cities proposition of keeping them clean and is a good option for wet garbage management,” he opined. Speaking on the Bio-methane bus development, Rajendra Petkar, Head- Power System, Engineering, Tata Motors said, “The showcase of the Bio-Methane bus is a step towards developing environment friendly vehicles.  This gas, which gets produced out of natural degradation process, escapes into the atmosphere unused. However, if this is trapped and used in engines, it reduces the net impact on environment and at the same time produces useful power.” Having pioneered the introduction of natural gas vehicles (CNG) in the country, for close to two decades, other initiatives related to CNG engines include the likes of sequential gas injection technology, skip fire, plug type coils, long life spark plugs and longer oil drain intervals.