Pune: The recent fourfold increase in hydro testing fees for CNG vehicles has sparked widespread concern among vehicle owners. Effective February 1, the cost per test has surged to ₹2,800, significantly up from the previous ₹1,000 for cars and ₹700 for auto-rickshaws. This sharp increase has led to demands for clarification from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) on the reasons behind the price hike.

Hydro testing is conducted at CNG kit retrofitting centers to assess the capacity, leakage, and overall safety of the CNG cylinder installed in a vehicle. This ensures that the cylinder meets safety standards and is fit for continued use. As per regulations, all CNG vehicles must undergo hydro testing every three years.

Only after successful testing can the vehicle be certified as roadworthy, ensuring compliance with safety norms. Hydro testing must be conducted at authorized CNG dealers where the CNG kit was originally installed. The government has issued specific guidelines for these testing centers.

Why Are Vehicle Owners Protesting?

No Increase in Material Costs: Vehicle owner associations argue that there has been no significant rise in the cost of materials used for hydro testing, making the fee hike unjustifiable.

Pending Discussion with RTO: The district collector had instructed the RTO to hold a meeting with hydro testing center owners and vehicle owner associations to address concerns, but no action has been taken even after a month.

"The cost of hydro testing has been arbitrarily increased, despite no rise in material costs. The RTO must clarify this issue and hold discussions with stakeholders."

– Bapu Bhave, President, Rickshaw Federation

Hydro Testing Center Justifies Hike

"For the past 15 years, hydro testing fees have remained unchanged. However, wages, rental costs, and material prices have increased significantly. This justified our decision to raise the fees."

– Vivek Dherange, Owner, Hydro Testing Center

Current CNG Vehicle Statistics in Pimpri-Chinchwad

• Total CNG Vehicles: 29,625

• Petrol/CNG Hybrid Vehicles: 1,56,492

• CNG Stations: 65

• Hydro Testing Centers: 23