The product is aimed at offering the cleanest possible transportation alternative to tackle the issue of vehicular pollution in Delhi. Powered by a 175-cc four-stroke single OHC engine, the product is the culmination of an extensive developmental work at Bajaj Auto's R&D facility at Akurdi near Pune in Maharashtra.

The CNG-run autorikshaw with a four-stroke engine is said to be the first of its kind in India, which meets India 2000 norms.

"With the launch of the CNG autorikshaw, we will further strengthen our position as an eco-friendly two and three-wheeler manufacturer. This four-stroke CNG vehicle with its excellent fuel efficiency and low running cost will benefit not only the residents of Delhi but also the autorikshaw operators and the government,'' said Rajiv Bajaj, Vice President, Products, Bajaj Auto Ltd in a news release.

Bajaj added that the cost of fuel for running the vehicle would be one-fourth of the cost compared to petrol. The vehicle is claimed to deliver fuel efficiency at 62 km per kg of CNG under IDC. According to RL Ravichandran, vice-president, business and product development: ``The vehicle will help to implement the order of the Supreme Court dated July 28, 1998 requiring all the pre-1990 autos and taxis plying in Delhi to be replaced with new vehicles operating on clean fuel.''

Ravichandran added that Bajaj is also working on various other alternative fuel technologies.

-- KK