Mumbai Auto Drivers Demand Urgent Action on Low CNG Pressure in Western Suburbs
Autorickshaw drivers in Mumbai have issued a pressing appeal to Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL), urging the company to swiftly address the critical issue of low CNG pressure at refuelling outlets located in the western suburbs, specifically between Kandivli and Dahisar. The drivers report that this persistent problem is causing incomplete refuelling, resulting in excessively long queues and forcing them to make repeated, frustrating trips to the pumps.
Union Proposes Temporary Pump Halts to Boost Pressure
The Mumbai Rickshawmen's Union has formally petitioned MGL with a strategic suggestion to mitigate the crisis. They recommend that CNG pumps temporarily cease dispensing operations for a brief period of four to five minutes. This pause would allow time for the compressor to be switched on and for the storage tanks to adequately fill up. According to union representatives, this simple yet effective measure would enable the dispensers to supply compressed natural gas at a significantly higher pressure, thereby ensuring that autorickshaws receive a complete and full refill during each visit.
Severe Impact on Daily Operations and Earnings
Currently, drivers are facing a dire situation where their autos are reportedly receiving only around 60% of a full tank at several CNG outlets spanning the Kandivali to Dahisar corridor. This stretch is notably one of the areas with the highest concentration of autorickshaws in Mumbai's suburban regions. With nearly three lakh autorickshaws operating across suburban Mumbai, the issue is particularly acute and disruptive in this specific belt.
The union emphasizes that the inadequate pressure means drivers exhaust their limited fuel within a single day, compelling them to return to the pumps more frequently. This has led to the emergence of long queues of three-wheelers becoming a common, time-consuming sight at refuelling stations. Consequently, this not only severely impacts the daily earnings of the drivers but also contributes to increased congestion and operational inefficiencies at the CNG stations.
Potential Benefits of Improved Pressure Levels
Union leader Thampy Kurien highlighted the potential positive outcomes if pressure levels are enhanced. He stated that if autorickshaws could achieve 100% refuelling, vehicles would be capable of running for two full days instead of just one. This improvement would drastically reduce the necessity for drivers to revisit the pumps so often, thereby helping to alleviate the intense rush and crowding at CNG stations, ultimately leading to smoother operations and better productivity for the drivers.
Root Cause and Supply Chain Challenges
The CNG supply to Mumbai is primarily routed through MGL's main distribution depot located near Anik Depot in Wadala. From this central hub, natural gas is distributed to various CNG stations and PNG supply chains across the city. Drivers have observed that while pressure remains adequate in the island city and the eastern suburbs, it drops progressively as the gas travels further towards the western suburbs, especially in Kandivli and the areas beyond. The union has earnestly sought corrective measures from MGL to ensure more uniform pressure distribution and facilitate smoother, more efficient refuelling operations throughout the metropolitan region.
