If your vehicle runs on compressed natural gas (CNG), you should avoid the Vasai-Virar metropolitan area: there is not a single fuel station there that provides CNG. For residents who, attracted by the lower costs or the fact that it is a cleaner fuel, have bought vehicles that run on CNG, this means that every time they need to refuel, they must go to either Kashimira in Mira Road (E) or Ghodbunder Road in Thane.
Vijayan Nair, who works for a US-based company, said, “I have to travel 50 to 60 km to refill my car.” Densil Bangera told The Hindu , “I own a CNG car, but due to unavailability of CNG pumps nearby, I opt for petrol.”
CNG-powered vehicles are more economical than those that use petrol or diesel. For those who operate commercial vehicles, this is particularly attractive. A light commercial vehicle running 50 km a day can recover the installation cost of CNG Kit in two-and-a-half years. Mumbaikars are well-served, with over 50 CNG pumps. But for those in Vasai-Virar, problems can outweigh the benefits.
Aatmaram Yadav, who drives an autorickshaw, said “If CNG is available, we will be able to save some money. We are ready to shift to CNG-run autos if pumps are installed here. CNG is cheaper than petrol, which eats into our earnings. But we are not ready to go up to Kashimira just for re-filling. ” Kiran Bhoir, a BJP member, said, “It is indeed a problem. However, plans are there to make CNG available.” Vivek Pandit, a former MLA said, “Proper follow up had to be done. CNG has to come one day, then why not earlier?”
The writer is an intern with The Hindu
