Centre Pushes Mission-Mode Expansion of Piped Natural Gas: Targets 60 Lakh New Connections in 110 Areas

In a decisive move to accelerate clean energy access and urban infrastructure development, the Government of India has launched a mission-mode push to expand Piped Natural Gas (PNG) networks across 110 high-priority geographic areas, targeting up to 60 lakh new connections in the coming phase.

The directive emerged from a high-level joint review meeting chaired by Shri Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), and Shri Neeraj Mittal, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), with participation from officials across more than 190 districts and 300 urban bodies nationwide.

Scaling Up PNG as a National Priority

The meeting emphasized treating PNG expansion as a national priority, especially in the context of evolving geopolitical uncertainties affecting global energy supply chains.

Officials stressed that India must accelerate the shift towards clean, reliable, and affordable urban fuel systems, with PNG playing a critical role in improving urban living standards and reducing dependence on conventional fuels.

Massive Expansion Plan: 60 Lakh Connections Targeted

The government outlined a two-pronged expansion strategy:

• Immediate rollout of 30 lakh connections in areas where pipeline infrastructure already exists

• Scaling up to 60 lakh connections by tapping unmet demand across identified regions

This approach focuses on unlocking latent infrastructure capacity while rapidly expanding coverage to new households and commercial establishments.

Nationwide Coordination Across 110 Geographic Areas

The initiative covers:

• 110 identified Geographic Areas (GAs)

• Over 190 districts

• More than 300 municipalities and urban authorities

Participation included District Magistrates from 150+ districts and officials from 260+ Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), reflecting a whole-of-government approach to execution.

Three-Week Action Plan Mandated

To fast-track implementation, all States, districts, and ULBs have been directed to:

• Prepare time-bound action plans within three weeks

• Set ward-wise targets

• Identify priority clusters such as group housing societies and high-demand zones

• Ensure expedited approvals for civil works

The focus will be on delivering quick, visible results in high-potential urban areas.

Saturation Strategy for Major Cities

A "saturation model" has been proposed for major cities, including:

• Delhi-NCR

• Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai

• Bengaluru

• Ahmedabad, Surat

• Lucknow, Varanasi

• Pune

The goal is to achieve near-universal PNG coverage in these urban centres, setting benchmarks for nationwide expansion.

Policy Reforms to Fast-Track Deployment

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has introduced key regulatory measures, including:

• Natural Gas & Petroleum Product Distribution Order, 2026 (issued March 24, 2026)

• Relaxation of procedural norms for faster approvals

• Standardised implementation guidelines across States and ULBs

All stakeholders have been directed to align with the updated regulatory framework to ensure uniformity and speed in execution.

Technology-Driven Monitoring and Planning

To ensure real-time tracking and accountability, the government will deploy:

• A dedicated MIS portal for daily monitoring

• Integration of PNG networks with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan

• Digital mapping of pipeline infrastructure for coordinated planning

ULBs will be required to report daily progress, enabling quick resolution of bottlenecks.

Single-Window Clearances and Local Execution

States and ULBs have been instructed to establish:

• Single-window approval systems for PNG-related works

• Coordination between Urban Development and Civil Supplies Departments

• Dedicated Quick Response Teams (QRTs) under District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners

Additionally, efforts will be made to:

• Develop databases of certified plumbers

• Conduct training on safety and installation standards

• Ensure availability of skilled manpower for rapid rollout

Focus on Demand Creation and Awareness

Recognizing that infrastructure alone is insufficient, the government has stressed the need for consumer awareness campaigns highlighting:

• Safety and convenience of PNG

• Cost-effectiveness compared to traditional fuels

• Environmental benefits

Targeted outreach will focus on:

• Residential clusters

• Hostels, institutions, and commercial establishments

• Bulk consumers and housing societies

Strengthening India's Urban Energy Transition

The expansion of PNG networks is a key component of India's broader urban transition and clean energy strategy, aimed at:

• Reducing carbon emissions

• Enhancing energy security

• Improving urban quality of life

• Supporting sustainable city development

A Whole-of-Government Push

The meeting concluded with a strong call for coordinated action across Centre, States, districts, and industry stakeholders, with PNG expansion positioned as a critical infrastructure priority.

As India accelerates its transition towards cleaner fuels, this mission-mode initiative is expected to transform urban energy access, delivering safe, efficient, and affordable fuel solutions to millions of households and businesses.