Jamshedpur, Nov. 23: The state transport department and the pollution control board willing, Jamshedpur could well become the first city in Jharkhand to have LPG-run autos and cars.

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is all set to launch special LPG kits for these vehicles and has identified three petrol pumps in the steel city that will serve as LPG dispensing stations.

R.N. Moulick, the manager (LPG) of IOCL Jamshedpur divisional office, said Suraj Automobiles at Telco would be the first LPG dispensing station to be operational next month. It will be followed by Chandravati Service Centre at Pardih and Bajrang Indane at Sonari soon.

“We have already started commissioning the infrastructure for an LPG dispensing station at Suraj Automobiles in Telco. It will be ready by December 25,” Moulick said, adding he was confident of a good demand in Jamshedpur given that LPG worked out as a cheaper alternative to petrol.

He said though they have a green signal from the East Singhbhum deputy commissioner and an approval from the Centre, a nod from the state transport department as well as the pollution control board was awaited.

“As the system involves introduction of LPG in running automobiles in the state, the transport department has to issue a notification after necessary amendments in the Motor Vehicles Act,” said Moulick.

Banna Gupta, the president of Jamshedpur Shikshit Berojgar Auto Rikshaw Association, welcomed the IOCL’s move. “There are over 14,000 autorickshaws plying in Jamshedpur. If operators get an alternative fuel at almost half the price of petrol, then it would be a boost for them,” he said.

The IOCL official told The Telegraph that users would be able to save as much as 50 per cent by switching over to LPG from petrol. “They’ll be able to save a lot as the cost of LPG is Rs 27 a kg. Only, these vehicles will have to be fitted with an LPG kit worth Rs 25,000. But those with cars that have dual fuel distribution system won’t need the kit,” Moulick added.

IOCL has already appointed a Hyderabad-based agency for providing the LPG kits — comprising a special fuel tank and an in-built fuel distribution system — that would be available near the filling stations. But cars or autorickshaws would need to keep a few litres of petrol for starting the engine. “Petrol will be required for starting the vehicle but one can instantly switch over to the LPG once the vehicle starts running,” he pointed out.

Shivendra Singh, district transport officer, East Singhbhum, sounded positive too.

He said IOCL would have to apply to the department and he would immediately initiate the process for amending the Motor Vehicles Act and get a notification from the department of transport at the earliest.

Step on it

GAS: IOCL to set up LPG filing stations at Suraj Automobiles at Telco, Chandravati Service Centre at Pardih and Bajrang Indane at Sonari

KIT: IOCL has appointed Hyderabad-based agency for providing LPG kits that include special fuel tank, in-built fuel distribution system

Savings: With LPG at Rs 27 per kg, the 14,000 autos ply in Jamshedpur are looking at huge cost savings