The Delhi government will open another chapter in its efforts to go green during the Commonwealth Games next year - by introducing hybrid cars.

The first hybrid car, to run alternately on petrol and electric energy, will be put together by a group of students from the Delhi College of Engineering (DCE). The college has received Rs 20 lakh from the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) for the effort.

DCE director P B Sharma told Newsline that a team of eight undergraduate students from disciplines like electronics, mechanical and electrical engineering, will create a hybrid car out of a Maruti Esteem. Maruti Udyog has already given the car to the college. "We have expertise in developing a hybrid car," Sharma said. "We made the first hybrid, single-seater, which won us a prize in the US in 2005.

"This project will take our innovation forward." The team of students will work on the project for the next few months and will also be graded on it. The students will be led by Sharma and another faculty member, S Maji.

Sharma said the car will be developed in such a way that it could set a precedent for commercially-viable hybrid cars.

According to Delhi government officials, the hybrid car will be displayed at a Commonwealth Games venue during the event and may even be used to give joyrides. An official said: "Apart from showcasing our cultural and historical heritage to athletes and spectators arriving in Delhi, we would also like to project to the world our commitment towards the environment."

The team of students will work on the project for the next few months and will also be graded on it. The students will be led by Sharma and another faculty member, S Maji.

Sharma said the car will be developed in such a way that it could set a precedent for commercially-viable hybrid cars.

According to Delhi government officials, the hybrid car will be displayed at a Commonwealth Games venue during the event and may even be used to give joyrides. An official said: "Apart from showcasing our cultural and historical heritage to athletes and spectators arriving in Delhi, we would also like to project to the world our commitment towards the environment."