BUET to submit its report on CNG fitness today

The fate of the CNG-run three-wheelers over extending lifespan for the fourth time is likely to be settled soon as BUET expert committee will submit its report to Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) today (Monday).

Sources said the committee has finalised the report after reviewing different mechanical aspects during the last two months and preparing it for submitting it to BRTA to take the decision in this regard.

Committee head Dr Md Ehsan, professor of Mechanical Engineering Department of the BUET, confirmed this to the FE but refrained from giving details.

"We have done our job. It is the decision of the BRTA and it will make it public," he told the FE over phone.

The BRTA, regulatory authority of road and transport sector, sought assistance of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges (MoRTB) in taking decision of extension of lifespan amid demands of the CNG operators and drivers.

Though they were allowed to ply life-expired public transports on the street on condition for three times, associations concerned again demanded extension of the time by another six years.

After taking a decision in a meeting to seek expert opinion from BUET, the ministry through BRTA allowed CNG auto-rickshaws to ply till March 31, 2018.

Sources seeking anonymity said BUET experts may recommend changing or replacement of some equipments to allow the vehicles to p;ly on the streets.

Though owners of the CNG auto rickshaws want extension, drivers are against of it on the ground of bad condition of the vehicles.

Barkatullah Bulu, President of Dhaka Metropolitan CNG-run Auto-rickshaw Owners Association, told the FE that they will abide by the government decisions whatever it would be.