Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) has rolled out an Automated Vehicle Verification System at 10 of its CNG stations in Delhi to enhance safety checks for vehicles running on compressed natural gas. The technology-based system identifies vehicles and verifies whether their CNG cylinders have valid hydro-test certification. Vehicles without a valid certificate will be denied CNG refuelling.
The initiative forms part of IGL’s broader safety measures at its CNG stations. As part of these efforts, station staff are checking the validity of cylinder tests and verifying hydro-test certificates before permitting vehicles to refuel.
IGL officials are also carrying out periodic inspections at stations to ensure that the safety protocol is being properly implemented.
Under the automated system, cameras at participating CNG stations scan the vehicle’s registration number. The information is then processed through an AI-powered application that connects the vehicle to its CNG cylinder details and verifies the cylinder’s certification status using the online portal of the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
The system provides real-time information on whether a cylinder’s hydro-test certificate remains valid or has expired.
If a vehicle is found to be non-compliant, the system can issue an alert at the station through handheld devices, LED screens and the public announcement system. This allows station staff to take immediate action and ensure that CNG is not supplied to vehicles that lack the required certification.
According to IGL, the automated process will reduce reliance on manual checks while creating a centralised and traceable mechanism for tracking cylinder compliance.
The company also intends to eventually connect relevant CNG cylinder certification data with vehicle-related databases, subject to the applicable regulatory requirements.
The automated system is meant to supplement IGL’s existing safety checks and does not remove the requirement for vehicles to carry a valid hydro-test certificate. IGL has reiterated that CNG will not be supplied when the necessary valid certificate is unavailable.
The safety provisions are based on the Gas Cylinders (Amended) Rules, 2025. Under Rule 35(1), CNG cylinders must undergo hydrotesting at a PESO-approved cylinder testing centre once every three years.
IGL plans to gradually extend the automated verification mechanism to all of its CNG stations.
The broader implementation is expected to make certificate checks more consistent and technology-driven, while also improving the tracking of safety compliance during the CNG refuelling process.
