Only LPG-run auto to ply from New Year

Kolkata, Oct 23 (UNI) In a new twist to the pollution control programme, the state government today announced that only LPG-run autos would be allowed on roads from next year.

Talking to mediapersons at the Writers Buildings, State Transport Minister Subhash Chakrabortry said all petrol-run autos would be barred from plying after December 31.

Mr Chakraborty said the cost of an LPG-run auto would be Rs 1,26000 for which banks would provide a loan of Rs 95,000, while the state government would extend an assistance of Rs 10,000.

The owner of an auto was to bear the rest of the cost, he added.

Mr Chakraborty informed that altogether 42,000 registered autos were plying on the streets and there were a large number of unregistered autos.

He said 3000 autos were seized before Durga Puja and the campaign has been intensified.

Thirty new LPG godowns were coming up to help start the process, Mr Chakraborty said.

UNI ADG KK/src2015