MUMBAI: At a time when the city's air quality is beginning to dip, this bit of news may come as a relief. The number of private cars running on compressed natural gas (CNG) in Mumbai has more than doubled in just three years while public transport vehicles plying on clean fuel like autos and taxis has risen by 30%.
In three years, the population of private cars running on CNG increased from 1 lakh to 2.2 lakh, a growth of over 100% in the Mumbai metropolitan region. Similarly, public transport vehicles rose from 2.2 lakh in October 2013 to 2.9 lakh this year, show latest statistics released by Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL).
Its officials said the increase in CNG-run vehicles had led to a 1,300 kg/day reduction in pollutants spewed by vehicles. "The primary reason for a significant growth in CNG vehicles has been the economic benefits of CNG over regular fuels like petrol and diesel," said MGL managing director Rajeev Mathur. CNG is 44% more economical than petrol and 33% cheaper than diesel. The state also gives a minimum 4% rebate on taxes for those registering cars run on CNG.
Although the CNG car population is small (less than 10%) compared to the total number of private cars run on diesel and petrol, the surge in numbers is a "good trend".
"Besides, it is improving air quality and we are committed to provide uninterrupted supply of this eco-friendly gas,'' said MGL's Mathur.
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