VIJAYAWADA: The State Government will take necessary steps to promote use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in Vijayawada.

Though there is abundant availability of CNG, numerous hitches are coming in the way of its promotion. Several interest groups explained the impediments in promoting the fuel to A.K. Tigdi, Principal Secretary, Transport, Roads and Buildings, Government of Andhra Pradesh, here on Thursday.

Mr. Tigdi visited Srinivasa CNG Station and interacted with all concerned. Ramakrishna of Bhagyanagar Gas Ltd (BGL) urged Mr. Tigdi to initiate steps to clear the decks for having diesel-run vehicles (including auto-rickshaws and cars) converted into CNG. As of now, only vehicles run on petrol were being permitted to convert to CNG engines. This relief would increase the number of users to a large extent. Mr. Ramakrishna also appealed to the Principal Secretary that the tax exemption, as mentioned in the GO, should be extended to all vehicles - commercial, public or private - using the CNG as the fuel. He said that several vehicles were being converted into LPG-run engines (petrol being an alternative fuel) though there was not even a single LPG dispensing station in the vicinity of Vijayawada. This was leading to "misusing" of domestic gas. Therefore, the Government should discourage conversion of vehicles from petrol to LPG.

Chandrasekhara Rao of Srinivasa CNG Station explained as to how publicity was being organised through pamphlets on pollution-free and economic fuel.

When auto-rickshaw drivers appealed to Mr. Tigdi that more CNG stations, particularly one at Bandar Road, should be located, he asked Deputy Transport Commissioner M. Ratna Manikyam to explore the possibility. She said the existing petrol stations could be asked to set up a CNG dispensing unit. However, motor vehicle inspectors ruled out such an arrangement for want of space.

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