KARACHI, May 29: About 800 LPG-operated Mazda wagons are operating between Malir and Landhi-Korangi with defective kits and the gas that leaks from these kits poses a major risk to public health.

LPG kits are provided to a large number of public transport vehicles, including taxis, in certain city areas, including Quaidabad and Malir, because of their being cost-effective in terms of installation charges. But because no fire-extinguishing equipment is provided in the vehicles, these have become a threat.

The leaking gas frequently disturbs the commuters, especially women. Many people start vomiting if they inhale the gas being discharged unnoticed from the leaking cylinders fixed beside a rear seat.

Moreover, because there is no outlet for fresh air to come in, it creates nauseating smell inside the wagon, and in case someone is smoking inside the van, there is a danger of these vehicles catching fire because of leakages from the cylinders or in the defective installing kits.

These vans have been issued route permits for operation between Malir Khokhrapar and Korangi. At least four routes— F-1, KL, KL1 and S6 — terminate at different sectors of Korangi.

The transport department and the regional transport authority have, however, initiated no drive against these defective kits. The operators of the vehicles often flout rules and indulge in rash and negligent driving. They have also been maintaining the token system, although the system was scrapped by the Sindh governor and the transport minister.

A majority of the operators now often refuse to take commuters to destinations falling on their routes. They do so to make sure that their wagons remain full to capacity and people disembark on at least three terminuses.

Moreover, there is no provision of separate seats for women.