QR codes could prevent forging of CNG tank plates

The Transport Department, auto-taxi unions and CNG meter fitters had their first meeting on Tuesday to discuss ways to prevent forged plates from being fitted on CNG tanks. One of the proposed solutions was to emboss QR codes on the plates. The meeting comes after reports of forged plates being fitted on CNG tanks by auto and taxi drivers emerged, raising serious safety concerns.

DNA reported about the issue on April 6 in the article 'Committee formed to probe malpractices in testing CNG tanks'. "This was the first meeting to understand the situation," said an official from the Transport Department.

The CNG tank testing and fitter agencies proposed that the government should emboss the CNG plates with QR code. "This will ensure that there is no duplication or forgery of these plates. A holistic system can be created so that these QR codes can be checked at CNG refuelling stations and accordingly the auto or taxi will be provided with gas," said an owner of a CNG plate testing agency.

Currently, the plate specifies details like the vehicle number, CNG cylinder number, its make and date of testing done among other information. Details are scraped on the plates to forge them, claim sources. 

"These are done either by roadside fitters, mechanic shops or even at testing agencies," said a union leader. The drivers get CNG at stations only after the veracity of these metal plates and fitness of their vehicles is checked hence they often forge the details. This is dangerous as it means that the tanks that hold high-pressured CNG are not tested properly.

The committee will also inspect whether the machines used to fulfil the norms, if all the agencies have them and the method used to issue certificates. "Before deciding anything, there is a need to understand whether the testing machines and equipment match the norms. Also there is a need for the testing agencies to explain the sudden surge in the cost of testing," said a senior official from Transport Department.

As part of the process, the CNG tanks need to undergo hydro-testing and ultrasonic tests which have to be done once in three years. "All of a sudden the rates for this test was raised to Rs 4,000. On April 17, the government asked the testing agencies to bring it down to Rs 1,600," said Thampi Kurien, an auto union leader.

This is being done so as to encourage the drivers to get the CNG kits and tanks tested. "At least 30 per cent of the drivers might not have tested their CNG tanks to escape paying such a high price," said AL Quadros, taxi union leader.

There are around 22 private testing agencies that inspect CNG tanks wherein huge pressure of water is gushed inside the tank to check for leakages and other issues.

CNG TANK TEST

• CNG tanks need to undergo hydro-testing and ultrasonic tests which have to be done once in three years.
   
• Around 22 private testing agencies inspect CNG tanks.
   
• In these inspections, high-pressure water is gushed inside the tank to check for leakages and other issues.