Pune: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has proposed a major shift from diesel to liquid natural gas (LNG) for 5,000 of its vehicles, with an estimated budget of 97 crores (970 million) over the next four years.

Despite the lack of existing LNG infrastructure and facilities, the proposal is moving forward, prompting local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to call for a review.

The decision, announced as part of the green transportation initiative in the 2023-24 budget speech, was formalized at a board meeting on November 22, 2023.

The MSRTC plan includes a phased funding allocation of 40 crores for 2024-25, followed by 200 crores, 270 crores, and 360 crores over the next three years, totaling 970 crores.

Vivek Velankar, President of the Sajag Nagrik Manch, has expressed concerns over the substantial expenditure, noting that the diesel vehicles in question still have a useful life of four to five years.

He argues, "Spending such a large amount on them may not be justified. Additionally, LNG pumps are not yet available in the state, and there are limited facilities for the maintenance and repair of LNG technology. Instead of spending billions on converting vehicles to LNG, the same amount could be used to acquire at least 2,000 CNG vehicles, which could provide service to passengers for the next ten years."

Velankar has urged the corporation to reconsider its decision and make better use of taxpayer money.