In a notable development, West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) and Bengal Gas Company Limited (BGCL) have signed a memorandum of understanding that paves the way for conversion of WBTC’s bus fleet from diesel to compressed natural gas (CNG). WBTC will convert the buses from diesel to CNG in a phased manner.

BGCL will be setting up CNG facilities within the premises of WBTC and supply CNG to buses. In the first phase, BGCL will set up eight stations at bus depots at Howrah, Salt Lake, Thakurpukur, Nilgunj, Belghoria, Santragachi, Karunamoyee and Kasba. BGCL will be investing Rs 35 million to develop CNG infrastructure at each depot.