Surat, a port city and economical capital of the Indian state of Gujarat, has witnessed the launch of ITUK Manufacturing India Limited’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) kit for two-wheeler vehicles this week. Choosing the Gujarat Gas Company Limited’s (GGCL) CNG filling station at Pal as the venue for the launch, ITUK officials described Surat as having the highest penetration of CNG-powered vehicles in the state.
ITUK is a subsidiary of Iranian company TUK Manufacturing, based out of Tehran. It has received ARAI (Automotive Research Agency of India) approvals for 22 scooter models. The company commenced a pilot program mid 2016, working in conjunction with Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) to convert 50 scooters to CNG.
As reported by India’s Economic Times, company officials stated that Surat has the highest penetration of CNG-powered vehicles in the state of Gujarat. The scooter segment comprises nearly 17% of the total vehicle population of Surat and 23% of the total two-wheelers. Conversion of a portion of this fleet to CNG will assist the state to address major transport-related air pollution.
It estimated that the two wheelers fitted with the CNG kit will emit 25% less carbon dioxide than petrol powered two wheelers. Carbon monoxide emission are also expected to be reduced, by 20%.
Every year more than 25,000 new bikes are purchased by the residents in the city. A CNG fuelled 2-wheeler accommodates 1.5 kgs of CNG per refill and runs more than 120 km, giving a mileage of 80 km per kg of CNG,” said the director of ITUK manufacturing India, Sriram Bhat.
ITUK has its manufacturing plant in Tehran, as well as a center in Pune in India’s Maharashtra state, which manufactures all parts indigenously including the regulators, valves, mixers, seat, and frames.
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