Kochi: Soon, Kochi will have more CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) fuel outlets in what might lead to increase in cleaner fuel vehicles on roads.
A major share of new fuel outlets proposed to be set up in the industrial capital by the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) will be provided with CNG refilling facility.
“All those pumps having close proximity with the CNG pipeline and also having enough space will be provided with the facility,” said a senior IOC official.
The IOC is planning to set up 93 fuel pumps in urban, semi-urban and highway sides in the district. It’s already invited bids from potential dealers.
This is besides its plans to set up the facility in 10 existing fuel pumps, mostly along the national highway and the Seaport-Airport road, the official said.
Earlier in March, four CNG stations were opened at Container Road (Kalamassery), Muttom, Pulinchodu and Maradu.
“The expansion (CNG) is on. The e-bidding process for the 10th round of bids for city gas licence is on and it includes seven geographical areas from the state, including Kollam and Alappuzha. We plan to set up LNG outlets in Thiruvananthapuram. We’re hopeful of opening more CNG and LNG outlets,” the official said.
The development comes even as the government has set up a sub-committee headed by Transport Principal Secretary K. R. Jyotilal to study and submit a report on conversion of KSRTC buses, fishing boats and passenger boats into natural gas vehicles.
