CHENNAI: Auto rickshaws in Chennai will soon run on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), if the Government has its way.

The Transport Department is looking into the feasibility of fitting existing models with LPG kits by retrofitment centres after the Minister for Transport, R. Viswanathan, recently said in the Assembly that new permits would be issued to auto rickshaws, preferably to ones running on LPG.

"A notification to the effect is being prepared by the Government. It will also consider providing subsidy to those who need it, apart from increasing the number of gas refilling stations from 12 to 25," said a senior Transport Department official.

Once the notification comes into place, the Department will be able to eventually phase out 3,381 three wheelers manufactured before 1991. Of the 44, 235 auto rickshaws registered between 1972 and 2004, more than 1,900 with diesel engines will not be fit for conversion.

While the Government is looking to replace the old models and also use a cost-effective and environment-friendly fuel through this move, auto rickshaw drivers say they are not ready to shell out a lot of money for the change. "I will not be able to convert to LPG if it costs more than Rs. 10,000," D. Doraisingam, an owner-driver, said.

While the official estimate is Rs. 14,000, R.R. Kumar of Dhana Laxmi Car Gas Conversion says it will cost Rs. 16,000 to fit auto rickshaws with the ISI approved-conversion kit, auto LPG tank, check valves and a host of other equipment along with the Regional Transport Officer's endorsement.

According to Mr Kumar, the Government will have to spell out the norms clearly and give a deadline in case the owners have to come forward to retrofit their auto rickshaws and not dump the initial capital investment burden on the drivers.

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