On first day 90 per cent taxis fail CNG safety check

On first day 90 per cent taxis fail CNG safety check
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

MARCH 13: On day one of the safety drive to check CNG taxis, some 90 per cent failed to conform to the parameters laid down by the transport authorities and the Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) officials. According to reliable sources in the Petroleum Dealers Association (PDA), most of the taxis checked yesterday at the four CNG filling stations, failed in one or more of the 12 major parameters on which the checks where conducted. The percentage was apparently higher at the Gujarat Service Station, they said.

The parameters laid down by the MGL and the transport authorities,include the make of the cylinder, different technical specifications and previous endorsements of the kit by the RTO in the Registration Certificate (RC) books.

However at a meeting today held between the transport authorities, MGL and the taximen's union it was decided that the parameters would be cut down to the essentials. Like checking the make of the kit, identifying the fitness of the equipment and marking the authentication of the cylinder.

A L Quadros, General Secretary of the Mumbai Taximen's Union admitted today that many taxis checked yesterday did not conform to the standards.He put the blame squarely on the officials at the different CNG-fitting workshops.

``Mechanics in the workshop are not at all careful about what they do,'' said Quadros. ``They leave out certain important details for which the taxi drivers or owners are not responsible. The fitment of the CNG kit should be carried out with great care. But these workers resort to shortcuts.''

The checks conducted at the four CNG outlets however has caught certain taximen intimidated who eventually do not turn up for the checks. Official sources pointed out this as the main reason for the not so favourable turnout on Day 1. Today however the turnout relatively better, they said.