Govt asks BMTC to conduct pilot on plying CNG buses

The state government has directed Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) to operate buses using compressed natural gas (CNG) on a pilot basis to examine whether it is cost effective.

“The transport department has directed BMTC to run CNG buses on a pilot basis. Concerns have been expressed on the cost of operating CNG buses. An appropriate decision on inducting CNG-enabled buses will be taken based on the results,” transport department Secretary B Basavaraaju said.

The government’s move comes almost two years after BMTC submitted a report claiming that the cost of operation and maintenance of CNG buses is higher compared to diesel buses.

However, GAIL Gas Ltd, which is developing infrastructure to supply CNG and piped natural gas (PNG) in Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru Rural districts, has been claiming that CNG-enabled buses are not only cost-effective but also environment-friendly. Gail Gas has already set up four CNG refill stations at Beggar’s Colony, off Magadi road; Sumanahalli; Peenya and Hennur.

Even a high-level committee headed by the Chief Secretary had recommended to the government to extend financial assistance, if necessary, to BMTC to purchase CNG-enabled buses. But the corporation had been shying away from doing so.