From Sanjay Borkar in Margao
for Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (MB)

Margao, Jul 7: Vehicles in Goa would now run on LPG, as an authorized gas pump station has started functioning in Old Goa, 45 km from here.

Elf Gas India Limited has stepped into Goa, and has chosen "The West Coast Auto LPG Station' as its dealer to cater to the needs of Goans.

Also Maruti auto-making company has introduced vehicles which run on LPG as well as on petrol. 

This pump station has also started to fit the LPG kits to the vehicles, approved by ARAI and VARDE.

Technicians specialized in LPG kit fittings claim that this system saves 40 to 50 % money on petrol. It is far economical than petrol.

These kits, of both Indian and foreign make, cost around Rs 15 to 20 thousand along with the gas tank.

Earlier people used to fit the kits and run the vehicles on subsidized domestic LPG, which was against rules, violations of which invited cancellation of the registration of vehicles.

As fitting the gas kit to vehicles is considered an alteration to the vehicle, the owner has to obtain a 'No Objection Certificate' for the same from the transport departement. As there were no gas filling pumps in Goa, the department had not issued any alteration certificate to anyone. But now as the pump has started operating, they will have to issue them now on.

Maruti Wagon-R Duo, which runs on LPG as well as petrol has started running on the roads of Goa. So It will not take much time that Goans will turn their vehicles on gas to make the state pollution-free. 

According the auto mechanics, Goa has already around more than 15 thousand vehicles running on gas. Now all of them are likely to rush to have an alteration certificate issued. 

Sources said another gas pump will soon open, in south Goa.