(a) whether the Government are contemplating a proposal to amend the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 to bring the buses running on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) under the ambit of the STA permit conditions;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the time by which the amendment is likely to be finalised; and
(d) the details of directives issued by the Supreme Court with regard to the running of CNG operated buses in Delhi?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS ( INDEPENDENT CHARGE ) ( MAJOR GEN. (RETD.) B.C. KHANDURI, AVSM )
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The amendment seeks to authorise State Transport Authorities to issue route permits and fix fares in respect of buses running on CNG mode.
(c) The necessary Bill for the said purpose has already been referred to the Parliament for consideration and passage.
(d) The Hon`ble Supreme Court in its order dated 26.3.01 has granted limited extension of the deadline in certain specified cases till 30.9.2001 to such buses and autos which carry a permit or authorization signed by Principal Secretary, Transport, Delhi Administration. Such relaxation is to apply only to those cases where a firm order for conversion to CNG/other clean fuel mode has been placed and affidavit to that effect filed before the Supreme Court on or before 31.3.2001.