New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS): Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu will launch the country's first passenger train powered by CNG (compressed natural gas) on the Rewari-Rohtak section of the Northern Railway, a ministry official said Tuesday.

The move assumes significance as it will be the first time that a passenger train will be powered by an alternate fuel source apart from diesel.

"Test trials are being run for increased usage of CNG. This train service will be the first commercial usage of the alternate fuel to power a passenger train," the ministry official told IANS.

The minister is expected to flag-off the passenger train from Rewari around 5.00 p.m. Tuesday.

According to the official, the new passenger train engine has the capability to run on both diesel and CNG.

Initially, the train will only consume 20 percent CNG during the 81-km distance while the rest of the power will be derived from diesel.

"Gradually, the CNG usage will be increased to around 50 percent. Currently, test trials are being conducted for the increased usage of CNG," the official said.

"Not only will this step reduce the carbon footprint of the railways, it will also provide capacity to use a cheaper alternate fuel source in the future."

The daily train service between Rewari and Rohtak will have a capacity of carrying 770 passenger in six coaches.