An Indian motorcycle manufacturer unveils the world’s first city commuter with an internal-combustion engine powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).

Bajaj Auto reveals the Freedom 125cc bike as a way of providing cheaper and cleaner urban transport for the country's congested cities.

Indian taxis and rickshaws have been running on CNG for more than a decade in many of the larger cities where it is called 'city gas', so there exists a healthy refueling infrastructure in urban areas. The manufacturer claims CNG halves the cost of running the bikes and reduces CO2 by 25%, reports BBC News.

Freedom’s fuel tank provides a range of more than 120 miles (193 km) on just 4.4 lbs. (2 kg) of CNG. There is also an extra ‘range extender’ half-gallon gasoline tank offering a further 80 miles (129 km) where CNG is difficult to find in more rural locations.

Rakesh Sharma, executive director of Bajaj Auto, says in a statement: “Through innovation Bajaj Auto has addressed the twin challenge of reducing rising fuel costs and reducing the environmental footprint from travel.”