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RTO firm on introducing CNG-run vehicles
THE REGIONAL transport office is firm on introducing CNG in all means of public transport by May 31. As for those who are procrastinating in switching over to CNG, the RTO office has decided to recommend mass cancellation of their permits if they fail to meet the deadline.
THE REGIONAL transport office is firm on introducing CNG in all means of public transport by May 31. As for those who are procrastinating in switching over to CNG, the RTO office has decided to recommend mass cancellation of their permits if they fail to meet the deadline.
RTO BK Gupta said to make the conversion of vehicles widely accepted, several nationalised banks were ready to finance the cost. Therefore, the public transport operators had their basic grievance addressed and they could meet their financial requirements through the banks.
It is worth mentioning here that various transport unions of the city are opposing RTO’s plan to convert traditional fuel- driven vehicles into CNG-run vehicles. Besides, they are blaming RTO officials for failing to give necessary support from their end.
Recently, the UP Tempo Taxi Federation threatened to call a mahapanchyat ( meeting of all public transport unions ) to chalk out their future plans in support of their unconsidered demands by the RTO.
Gupta said that about 32 CNG vehicles had been registered with the RTO, which showed the slow pace of conversion.
Therefore, to hasten the vehicles’ conversion, a plan had been chalked out by the local transport department, informed Gupta. According to him, 1,000 autorickshaws have been issued permit by the department. The life of an autorickshaw is 10 years. Autorickshaws of 1996 model to 2001 model are 424 and are to be replaced with new CNG autos.
Similarly, 2180 tempos have been issued permits in the city and their life period is 7 years. Therefore, 1999 model to 2002 model tempos numbering totaling 1023 have to be replaced with new CNG model.
However, the rest of the tempos totaling 1167 have been provided option, either they should be replaced with the new one or their kit be changed to CNG kit.
A total of 218 city buses have been issued permits by the transport department and their life period is nine years. Therefore, 105 city buses are to be replaced with new ones and the rest has been given the option like autos and tempos.
The RTO has fixed may 15 as deadline for registration of new CNG vehicles and May 31 for vehicles getting change of kit.
However, a proposal for cancellation of permit will not be forwarded to the regional transport authority, if transport operators present the receipt of booking within the deadline fixed. This has been decided keeping in mind shortage of CNG vehicles and kits in the city.
However, the agencies supplying CNG kits are also mounting pressure on RTO authorities for giving momentum to the conversion, as consumption of CNG is very low.