BUET signals end of lifespan for 8,421 CNG-run autos

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) has recommended no extension of lifespan of CNG-run auto-rickshaws pressed into service in 2002.

The recommendation was made to the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) after fitness test conducted by BUET. A report in this connection was received by the BRTA on Tuesday.

According to the BRTA, the economic life of 8,421 CNG three-wheelers expired on December 31, 2017.

The BRTA, regulatory authority of road and transport sector, sought assistance of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges (MoRTB) in taking a decision on extending the lifespan as demanded by the CNG operators and drivers.

After a decision at a meeting on seeking the expert opinion from BUET, the ministry through the BRTA allowed CNG auto-rickshaws to operate until March 31, 2018.

Committee head Dr Md Ehsan, professor of Mechanical Engineering Department at BUET, earlier confirmed this to the FE.

Though they were allowed conditionally to operate the life-expired vehicles on the streets for three times, the associations concerned again demanded extension for the fourth time by another six years.

BRTA Secretary Mohammad Shawkat Ali confirmed receiving the report. He said the MoRTB will take the final decision after going through the BUET report.

The vehicles were imported with nine years of valid economic life. Later on several occasions, it was raised to 15 years.

The latest deadline for the 8,421 CNG auto rickshaws out of 26,652 running in Dhaka and Chittagong cities is going to expire after this month.

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