PUNE: Leading mobile app for transportation Ola signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maharashtra Natural Gas Ltd (MNGL) to promote adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles in Pune.
Under the alliance, both the companies will work closely to promote the use of CNG cars and will roll out several initiatives to create awareness about the benefits of running CNG vehicles among their owners as well as customers.
The MoU was signed in the presence of local MP Anil Shirole and Independent Director of MNGL Rajesh Pande at Hotel Novatel on Tuesday. Speaking on the occasion, Shirole expressed the need for adoption of green fuel CNG for the city and appreciated the efforts of Ola and MNGL in this direction. He stressed that with his mission of Cylinder-free Pune, all stakeholders must contribute for pollution-free Pune as well.
According to officials, over the years, Pune has emerged as one of the cities with the highest vehicle population (37 lakh). Hence, it is battling high air pollution levels, which, as per some recent reports, has increased by 40 per cent since 2010. “With the city’s growing commuting needs, it is imperative to adopt smart and sustainable solutions like CNG vehicles that are apt to serve travel needs, as well as play a role in decreasing air pollution levels in the city,” they said.
Speaking to Sakal Times about the MoU, Commercial Director of MNGL, Santosh Sontakke said, “There are over 50,000 taxis or cabs plying in Pune daily, most of which run on diesel. Thus, we thought it was a good idea to tie up with Ola to promote CNG. The MoU aims at converting 2,000 vehicles into CNG in the initial period. These vehicles can include cabs, which are already running or new cabs that enter the Ola network.”
Elaborating further, he said, “A gas kit installation costs nearly Rs 45,000 to 50,000. We will be providing a subsidy of Rs 4,000 per vehicle to encourage the driver to convert to the gas kit, besides other government subsidies. While the gas kit is expensive to install, drivers need to understand the long-term benefits of CNG. Considering that the CNG vehicle will give the same mileage as petrol, the cost of the fuel varies significantly. This will encourage people to convert to CNG.”
Vice President - Strategic Supply Initiatives at Ola, Rahul Maroli, said, “At Ola, we have always believed in strengthening and complementing our country’s existing mobility landscape with our smart and sustainable solutions, as well as creating a robust driver partner ecosystem because they are one of the most integral elements of the business. Along with MNGL, we aim to provide a green fuel smart solution to our customers in Pune as well as create an encouraging environment for seamless adoption of CNG vehicles for our driver partners.”
Managing Director, MNGL, Arvind Tambekar, said, “It has been our constant endeavour to create awareness about the benefits of using environment-friendly, green fuel in place of conventional fossil fuels. This effort calls for support from all stakeholders, laying the foundation for the holistic development of the transport ecosystem in the city, and we appreciate Ola for coming forth and encouraging driver entrepreneurs to adopt CNG vehicles. Ola’s mission of providing mobility for all and its commitment to help the city fight pollution is a testament to being a good corporate citizen. We look forward to working with Ola and participating in various on-ground activities and campaigns that will create awareness about the usage of CNG as a green fuel.”