PNG Domestic Supply Officially Commences in Nagpur District
In a significant development for urban infrastructure, the domestic supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) has officially begun in Nagpur district, starting from Friday. The inaugural connections have been established at eight houses located in Kavya Enclave within CIDCO Colony, Butibori, as confirmed by senior officials from Haryana City Gas (HCG), the designated distributor for the region.
Project Background and Expansion Plans
This initiative is part of the broader Mumbai-Nagpur-Jharsuguda gas pipeline project undertaken by the Gas Authority of India (GAIL), with the segment from Mumbai to Nagpur now fully operational. Officials have outlined ambitious expansion plans, noting that PNG supply to key areas such as Mihan, Jamtha, and various housing projects in surrounding localities will commence in the near future. The overarching target is to extend PNG access to every household across the entire Nagpur district within the next four to five years.
Safety and Economic Advantages of PNG
Highlighting the benefits of PNG, officials emphasized its superior safety profile compared to traditional LPG cylinders. PNG is lighter than air, meaning that in the event of a leak, it dissipates rapidly, thereby significantly reducing the risk of fire hazards. Additionally, the direct pipeline supply eliminates concerns about cylinders running out, ensuring a more reliable fuel source for households.
From an economic standpoint, PNG offers substantial savings. Officials reported that it is approximately 25 to 30% more economical per month than LPG. For instance, while the current LPG rate stands at around Rs 68 per kg, the PNG rate is approximately Rs 48 per kg, making it a cost-effective alternative for consumers.
Current Progress and Industrial Applications
The rollout is already gaining momentum, with HCG officials confirming that registration for 1,000 households in Butibori has been completed. Beyond residential use, PNG supply is actively being provided to 12 companies within the industrial zone, underscoring its versatility. Furthermore, the company currently operates 28 CNG pumps across the district, enhancing the overall gas infrastructure.
With this development, Nagpur now joins the ranks of major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Delhi, and Ahmedabad that have established PNG facilities. The registration process is underway for an additional 250 units from the Butibori industrial zone, with supply expected to begin shortly.
Future Infrastructure Developments
To support further expansion, land has been requested from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to develop PNG supply infrastructure in the Hingna industrial zone. Once the land is allotted, supply is anticipated to commence within the next two months, marking another step forward in Nagpur's energy transition.
