India: Transportation and traffic management
International experts back Delhi CNG bus program
In June 2001, India's Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) invited international experts for an independent technical evaluation of compressed natural gas (CNG) bus technology in India. They backed the city's desire to convert all buses to use CNG.
A series of fires in CNG buses during the year raised public concerns and accordingly the same experts were asked back to review and recommend on appropriate safety strategies.
With the recent Delhi Supreme Court ordering the switch of all public transport buses to CNG, the next few months will see a massive entry of CNG buses in Delhi. CSE is keen that the institutional framework for proper enforcement of safety regulations is in place.
Christopher S. Weaver, president Engine, Fuel, and Emissions Engineering, Inc. Sacramento, California and Lennart Erlandsson, manager, Air Quality, Motor Test Centre AB, Sweden, who have just completed their study, reaffirmed the conclusion from their last year's assessment of the CNG programme in Delhi in a press conference organised by CSE in Delhi.
"One year ago, we stated that we are unanimous in our view that the principal program elements required to implement the CNG bus program in Delhi appear to be in place, and that this program appears poised for outstanding success.
"This is an accomplishment of which the world will take notice, and in which the principal agencies and persons involved in the CNG program can rightly take great pride. This program can serve as an outstanding example for other cities and nations of a successful transition to CNG. We here reaffirm that conclusion."
But they noted at the same time, "In any large-scale deployment of new technology, operational difficulties and new safety concerns are likely to occur.
"Such has been the experience with CNG buses in Delhi. A number of problems have been identified and diagnosed, and many of these are already on the way to solution. Further efforts are needed by all participants."
After extensive consultation with the concerned agencies - bus manufacturers, bus companies, CNG conversion companies, Burari Inspection Centre, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, state transport authority, and field visits the experts made several recommendations on the inspection requirements to ensure compliance with safety regulations, and training needs for capacity building.
"Institutional arrangements need to be put in place to ensure that the remaining safety problems - as well as any that may develop in the future - are effectively identified, diagnosed, and solved, and that these solutions are actually implemented," the experts stated.
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