Mumbai's Vasai-Virar area yet to get a CNG fuel station

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?”

NGS INDIA