Two-wheelers powered by CNG to hit Mumbai roads soon

Two-wheelers fuelled by eco-friendly and cost effective compressed natural gas (CNG) are likely to hit the city roads soon.

Two-wheelers fuelled by eco-friendly and cost effective compressed natural gas (CNG) are likely to hit the city roads soon. The Automobile Research Association of India (ARAI) from Pune and Transport Commissioner Office (TCO) have given the necessary approval to retrofit CNG kits on popular 125-cc gearless scooters of a renowned company.

A mechanic fits scooters with CNG cylinders.(HT)

RTO sources said the two companies — one is from Mumbai, while another is from Pune — have got the approval for the two wheelers. RTO sources said the Mumbai company is retrofitting CNG kits — two cylinders of 1kg each — on the popular scooter models at its workshop in Ghatkopar. Fitted on the front part of the scooter, replacing the luggage space, the CNG kit will remain fully covered.

Mumbai has about 3.33 lakh CNG fuel vehicles, including 1.22 lakh auto rickshaws, 58,000 taxis and 2,986 buses, along with 1.47 lakh private vehicles. For the first time, two wheelers will be included in this list.

This is just the beginning of CNG-powered two wheelers in the country, and many more models are likely to be launched in the near future, industry sources said. A Gujarat company is also in the process of launching CNG-fuelled two wheelers.

Recently, a private company launched CNG-powered two wheelers in Pune and Delhi.

“Now, the new CNG kits for two-wheelers are soon going to be made available in the Mumbai market which has huge potential,” said a source in Mahanagar Gas Limited, adding that CNG will enable the bikers to cut their fuel expenses, besides helping to contribute in curbing the pollution. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) has more than 36 lakh two wheelers. Of these, about 15 lakh are registered at the city RTOs. The new CNG kit could help bikers save up to 50% in fuel bill, sources said.

READ: CNG, PNG to cost less in Mumbai from October 4