Kolkata Adds Fourth CNG Fuelling Station for Buses
Bengal Gas Corporation Ltd (BGCL) has commissioned its fourth CNG station at a state-run bus depot. The new facility at the South Bengal State Transport Corporation (SBSTC) depot in Belgharia was commissioned on Tuesday. It is the first depot-based station in West Bengal to receive gas directly through a pipeline, a detail that matters for how reliably buses can refuel.
Key Takeaways
- What: BGCL’s fourth CNG station at a state transport depot, located at SBSTC’s Belgharia depot
- Why it stands out: First depot-based CNG station in West Bengal fed gas directly by pipeline
- Cost: ₹3.2 crore, developed jointly by BGCL and SBSTC
- Who it serves: Government buses as well as private CNG vehicles
- What’s next: Similar stations planned at four more depots
What Has BGCL Launched at the Belgharia Depot?
The Belgharia station was developed jointly by BGCL and SBSTC at a cost of ₹3.2 crore. State Labour and Transport Minister Arjun Singh inaugurated it. The facility will cater not only to government buses but also to private CNG vehicles.
Why Does a Pipeline Connection Matter?
Officials said the direct pipeline link would ensure a more seamless and reliable CNG supply than at stations that depend on gas being transported by cascades. A cascade is a road-transported bank of gas cylinders. Supply of that kind relies on regular deliveries, while a pipeline-fed station does not. For a depot that has to keep buses on the road every day, steady fuel supply is the practical gain here.
How Many CNG Stations Does BGCL Run, and Where Are the Depot Ones?
BGCL currently has 33 operational CNG stations across its authorised geographical area. Of these, three were already operating from state transport depots:
- WBTC’s Kasba depot
- NBSTC’s Ultadanga depot
- WBTC’s Tollygunge depot
Belgharia is the fourth.
What Is BGCL Planning Next?
The company is now planning similar CNG facilities at four more depots:
- WBTC’s Nilgunj depot
- WBTC’s Barasat depot
- SBSTC’s Howrah depot
- Santragachi bus depot
The plan would significantly expand the refuelling backbone for CNG-based public transport in the region.
What Does This Mean for SBSTC’s Bus Fleet?
SBSTC currently operates around 150 CNG buses. Officials indicated that the fleet could grow as refuelling infrastructure improves. That link is important: operators are more likely to add CNG buses when they can be sure of dependable fuel at their own depots.
What Did the Minister Say?
Speaking at the inauguration, Singh said the government is focusing on green energy to reduce pollution. He added that more electric buses and CNG-powered buses will be introduced as part of that effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is BGCL’s fourth depot-based CNG station?
- It is at the SBSTC bus depot in Belgharia, commissioned on Tuesday.
What makes the Belgharia station different?
- It is the first depot-based CNG station in West Bengal to receive gas directly through a pipeline.
How much did the station cost?
- BGCL and SBSTC developed it jointly at a cost of ₹3.2 crore.
Can private vehicles use it?
- Yes. The station will serve private CNG vehicles as well as government buses.
Which depots already have CNG stations?
- WBTC’s Kasba depot, NBSTC’s Ultadanga depot and WBTC’s Tollygunge depot already have them. Belgharia is the fourth.
Which depots are next?
- BGCL is planning similar facilities at WBTC’s Nilgunj and Barasat depots, and at SBSTC’s Howrah and Santragachi depots.
How many CNG buses does SBSTC run?
- SBSTC operates around 150 CNG buses, and officials said the fleet could grow as refuelling infrastructure improves.
