AGARTALA, Feb 1 (TIWN): Resentment brewing up among the CNG vehicle drivers at TRTC CNG station as vehicles without hydrating will not get CNG refills at pumps from now on, as the Tripura Natural Gas and Company Limited (TNGCL) recently issued directives making hydro – testing mandatory for every CNG vehicles. This makes a majority of the auto rickshaws and four-wheelers in the city overdue for testing. However earlier considering that they installed CNG kits beyond 2010; reportedly vehicles due, for the hydro test had to get an updated compliance plate, while those without one will mandatorily have to install such a plate. However, from now on hydro – testing is mandatory once in a three years which cost around Rs 2000.Resentment sparked off among the drivers when they were denied to pump gas in the vehicles as some particulars vehicles had not undergone hydro – testing. Getting alarm the local police reached the spot and took a note of the situation. The drivers demanded for extension of time for the Hydro-testing.

Hydrostatic test is a procedure wherein the faults, leakage are tested. In this test, the pressure in the gas cylinder is being tested through filling water and attaching the cylinder with a test jacket filled with water. The pressure is constantly increased and decreased.

However, servicing is advised in the CNG cylinders as well. As per the Gas Cylinder Rule of Indian Standard Bureau, 2004, hydro-testing of the cylinders is mandatory.
The increasing city gas distribution has led to increase in the number of CNG vehicles in the country. Natural gas has always been looked upon as the most efficient, economical and safe fuel available to humankind.

It may be noted that CNG vehicles are the vehicles with least number of mishaps. CNG cylinders are quite strong and they have to go through rigorous quality checks so that accidents can be avoided.