Ola allowed to run only CNG cabs in Delhi

The app-based taxi service said that no diesel-based cabs will ply on Delhi's road

The Delhi High Court on Thursday said Ola cabs can run only on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel in the national capital. The cab service also agreed to pay compensation for polluting the city due to its diesel taxis.

Congress leader and senior lawyer P. Chidambaram appearing for ANI technologies (Ola cabs) promised to Justice Manmohan that diesel-based vehicles of the taxi service will be taken off the Delhi's roads within two weeks.

Chidambaram said Ola cabs, an app-based taxi service, was willing to comply with the court's direction that no diesel-based cabs will ply on Delhi's road.

During the hearing, Justice Manmohan asked Chidambram that Ola has to pay compensation for polluting the city due to plying of diesel cabs, to which the lawyer agreed.

Appearing for Delhi government, advocate Naushad Ahmed Khan told the court that Ola company be asked to plant 50,000 trees in the capital.

The court asked Khan to check with the concerned government agency the cost of 50,000 trees and said it will pass an order thereafter.

Ola cabs was also asked to file an affidavit indicating the compliance of the order that no diesel-based taxi will ply on Delhi's road.

The court was hearing a contempt plea of the Association of Radio Taxis against Ola, claiming its cabs were still plying on the city roads despite a July 29 order of a single judge as well as an August 11 decision by a division bench of the high court upholding the ban.

Respecting the court's order, Ola Cabs on Thursday said: "We respect the orders and will continue to be committed to building mobility for a billion people.

"We have introduced a technology that will help distinguish CNG and diesel vehicles on its app, which will help the company keep track of the drivers' compliance with the cleaner fuel norms in Delhi. It will also enable users to choose only CNG vehicles for usage within Delhi."

Meanwhile, another leading player, Meru Cab service has also introduced a new ride-sharing service, named "CarPool" for its customers across India.

In a release, Meru Cabs CEO Siddhartha Pahwa said the service will enable personal vehicle owners and city commuters to reduce their daily travel costs, get an opportunity to meet new people and simplify their commute in safe and secured environment.