Kolkata: The state government has proposed to introduce the use of CNG as a pilot project for government vehicles. On Friday, Transport minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that the government has already taken up the issue with GAIL and it has been proposed that CNG will be supplied in tankers as no pipeline exists for the supply of CNG in the state. Later, in due course, pipelines will be laid after the experimental use of CNG sees success.
On Friday, Adhikary inaugurated a transport expo in New Town. After inauguration, he informed that the state is mulling to crack down on vehicles aged more than 15 years coming from outside Kolkata, as per the direction of the National Green Tribunal to curb environmental pollution.
Intensive campaigns will be conducted with all wings in this regard. He said: "We will prevent the vehicles which are aged 15 years or more, from entering Kolkata from outside."
Apart from this, he also informed that the Chief Secretary has recently interacted with GAIL authorities, regarding the supply of CNG in Kolkata. Primarily, it will be supplied using tankers which are meant for government vehicles only. Later, pipelines will be laid to initiate full-fledged supply of CNG.
"Our Chief Secretary has interacted with GAIL regarding the supply of CNG and GAIL has committed to him regarding the same. As of now, the lack of pipelines is the problem. Pipelines will be laid in future but it will take time," the minister said.
Transport secretary B P Gopalika has further informed that the CNG supplied by GAIL will primarily be available only for government vehicles as a pilot project.