No hydro-testing centre in Kerala to inspect CNG cylinders

Vehicle owners forced to shell out more to get cylinders tested in other States

The absence of hydro-testing centres in the State to inspect and issue safety certificate every three years to CNG cylinders of automobiles has left the owners of CNG-run vehicles a disappointed lot. CNG-equipped autorickshaws and cars made their foray into Kochi and subsequently to other districts three years ago. However, due to the non availability of hydro-testing centres, where the cylinders can be tested for less than ₹2,000, the cylinders are being taken in bulk to other States, tested and brought back. This entails an expense of approximately ₹4,000, which many, especially autorickshaw drivers, find unaffordable, it is learnt. The safety inspection in centres approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) is mandatory every three years as per Gas Cylinder Rules 2004.