ST Corporation has inaugurated India's first LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) fuelled vehicle project. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with other dignitaries, including Minister of Public Works Ravindra Chavan and Minister of School Education Deepak Kesarkar, presided over the ceremony at his official residence in Mumbai.

The event witnessed the presence of esteemed personalities such as Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ST Corporation Dr. Madhav Kusekar, General Manager Nandkumar Kolarkar, and Vaibhav Wakode. Mohammad Azam Qureshi, Managing Director of Kings Gas Pvt. Ltd., the company spearheading the venture, also graced the occasion.

Chief Minister Shinde, expressing keen interest, enquired about the modifications in ST buses post-LNG conversion and the comparative advantages over diesel. He meticulously inspected the newly transformed buses, symbolizing the state's commitment to eco-friendly transportation solutions.

Under this ambitious project, 5000 diesel vehicles of ST Corporation will undergo conversion to LNG alternative fuel vehicles, heralding a paradigm shift in the public transport sector. With approximately 16000 diesel-powered passenger vehicles under its purview, the corporation incurs a substantial portion of its expenditure on diesel fuel, accounting for around 34 percent. In light of escalating diesel prices and the imperative of embracing sustainable practices, transitioning to LNG emerges as a pragmatic solution.

The State Government's Industries Department has arranged the supply of LNG as an alternative fuel, forging a strategic partnership with King's Gas Pvt. Ltd. through a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This collaboration encompasses the procurement and distribution of LNG for transportation purposes, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future. The adoption of LNG is anticipated to curtail pollution emanating from diesel-fuelled vehicles by approximately 10 percent, while simultaneously mitigating the corporation's fuel expenses.

Furthermore, plans are underway to establish LNG distribution centres across approximately 90 locations within the corporation's jurisdiction, facilitating seamless accessibility to this eco-friendly fuel alternative.

“The inauguration of ST Corporation's LNG fuel conversion project signifies a monumental leap towards fostering sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint in the realm of public transportation. As India's pioneering endeavour in the LNG-fuelled vehicle domain, this initiative exemplifies the nation's unwavering commitment to embracing innovative solutions for a cleaner, more sustainable future”, said CM Eknath Shinde.