Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) Executive Director A. Rama Krishna said the public carrier gave importance to using alternative fuels like biodiesel for conserving petroleum, bringing down the import bill and reducing pollution.
Delivering the key note address at the inauguration of the Sanrakshan Kshamta Mahotsav (SAKSHAM), an initiative of the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) aimed at spreading awareness on fuel conservation, here on Thursday, Mr. Krishna said petroleum products needed to be conserved as their demand increased with a continuing increase in the number of vehicles. As 80% requirement of petroleum products was met through imports, it imposed a huge financial burden on the economy.
On its part, the APSRTC gave priority to using alternative fuels for its 12,000 buses as 33% of its expenditure went towards procurement of diesel, said Mr. Krishna.
Besides using biodiesel, the APSRTC planned to run 20 electric buses on the Tirumala- Tirupati route on a pilot basis, he added.
Public participation
PCRA Additional Director V. Srinivas stressed the importance of public participation in conservation of fuel and explained initiatives of the Centre in the sector, including harnessing of renewable energy.
G.K.K.V. Umashankar, State-level coordinator for the oil industry, said SAKSHAM was intended to encourage people-centric activities for efficient use of fuel. He suggested people walk short distances instead of using vehicles, use cycles, pool vehicles and use public transport.
