Bengaluru: Only 350 of 73 lakh vehicles run on CNG
Is Bengaluru not ready for CNG yet? Only 350 of the total 73-lakh vehicles plying in the city run on CNG, despite Bengaluru getting its first CNG filling station near Laggere 18 months ago. GAIL Gas, which operates the station, says only 45 of these vehicles are Karnataka-registered. CNG stations at Sumanahalli, Hennur and Peenya BMTC depots are lying unused too.
Why are CNG vehicles better than electric counterparts?
Officials have attributed this to three reasons: lure of electric vehicles, shortage of CNG filling stations and lack of awareness, though CNG is cheaper than diesel and petrol. But CNG vehicles cost less than electric cars, said GAIL officials, adding 'electric vehicle charging infrastructure is minimal in big cities and non-existent in smaller ones.' "Refilling time for CNG is also less," he added.
Government should make CNG mandatory: Environmentalist
"It's unfortunate that CNG is yet to gain popularity despite rise in pollution levels. The government should make CNG mandatory for autos and commercial vehicles in the first phase and gradually extend the move to other vehicles," said Environmentalist A N Yellappa Reddy.
'In 4 years, 2 lakh CNG vehicles will start plying'
Despite everything, GAIL Gas hopes that in four years, more than 2 lakh CNG vehicles will start plying. The company also plans to set up around 60 CNG stations in the next years; its second CNG station has already come up at a BPCL fuel outlet in Sunkadakatte. They are planning more stations at Peenya, Bommasandra, Jigani and Bande Kodigehalli.
