Delhi Government Revokes Ban on Retrofitting CNG Kits for In-Use Cars

Apparently there were allegations that some after-market CNG fuel kit manufacturers were supplying unapproved/uncertified and sub-standard CNG kits for retrofitting in the in-use vehicles. The unapproved CNG kits are risky to use due to its flammable nature and can be hazardous for the life of passengers. Accounting to this allegation, the Delhi government last week issued a ban on retrofitting of CNG kits in 'in-use' cars. While issuing its ban order on June 20 this month, the department had directed its motor licensing officers (MLOs) not to register vehicles that have been retrofitted with CNG kits until further orders.

Authorities will now claim that strict measures have been taken to ensure that there are no spurious CNG fuel kits supplied by unauthorized dealers and thus the ban will be revoked. Sharing more details on this, the Transport minister said, "We have registered complaint of spurious CNG kits being retrofitted in cars, with the Delhi Police which is now investigating the matter. In one or two days, we will revoke the ban on retrofitting of CNG kits in cars." He even refuted the allegation that spurious CNG fuel kits were being retrofitted during the odd-even scheme days, saying that this has been happening for a long time now. All that said, the ban was never an issue for cars that came with factory fitted CNG kits directly from the manufacturer and can be registered with ease.

On a similar note, the central government recently commenced the CNG powered two-wheeler pilot programme in Delhi involving 50 Activa scooters with CNG kits that were approved by ARAI. For real world testing, the scooters have been given to fast food chain Domino's Pizza's delivery guys, who will be using the same and help the government collect data from the usage.