Auto drivers oppose government's LPG drive

Auto drivers oppose government's LPG drive
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Autorickshaw drivers are up in arms against the government for forcing them to convert their vehicles run on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) “without providing adequate number of refill stations in the city”.

The Transport Department is compelling three-wheeler drivers to adopt LPG. It had even set a deadline and offered Rs 2,000 subsidy to vehicles converting to the less-polluting fuel. But all that has not gone down well with the autorickshaw drivers who are now planning to launch a campaign against the conversions.

“LPG is okay, but before forcing us to convert our vehicles they need to have more refill stations,” Bangalore Auto and Taxi Drivers Association, General Secretary Raju said. “In the absence of adequate number of stations, we need to wait for several hours daily to get the fuel,” he added.

A long queue of autorickshaws are always seen at refill stations in Koramangala, Rajajinagar and other areas.

Bangalore Auto Drivers Associations’ Federation president Somashekhar also blamed the department for forcing them to go in for LPG “without making proper arrangements”.

This has caused inconvenience and is affecting their business, he said.

The government has not given Rs 2,000 subsidy, which it has promised, he said. Now with the expiry of the deadline, the auto drivers are asking for a one-year extension.

“If they continue to force us to convert to LPG without adequate refill bunks, we will take up a campaign against the move,” they added.