By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi: Power Minister Ashish Sood on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to accelerate the expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections across the national capital, emphasising the need for a simplified, transparent and citizen-friendly process.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL), along with representatives from the Urban Development Department, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Jal Board and the Delhi government.
Following the review, Sood said a comprehensive strategy has been prepared to fast-track PNG expansion and extend coverage to a larger population. He directed officials to streamline the connection process and make it more accessible, while launching door-to-door campaigns to encourage adoption.
Highlighting the benefits of PNG, the minister noted that several parts of the city still depend on conventional LPG cylinders, whereas PNG offers a safer and more convenient alternative with uninterrupted supply and no requirement for booking or refilling.
He also called for intensified awareness drives in areas where PNG infrastructure is yet to reach, particularly in unauthorised colonies and rural pockets of the capital.
Officials informed the meeting that Delhi has the capacity to provide nearly 1.8 million PNG connections, of which around 1.4 million have already been delivered. The remaining 400,000 connections are to be rolled out on a mission mode basis.
The minister further announced that PNG will be prioritised in public welfare schemes, replacing traditional cylinders in facilities such as Atal Canteens, night shelters, mid-day meal kitchens and MCD-run establishments. He also directed that restaurants, hotels, gurudwaras and temples shift towards PNG, with pipeline infrastructure to be laid on priority where required.
Sood said the pipeline network would be rapidly expanded, including in challenging areas such as narrow lanes and multi-storey buildings, with the use of modern technology solutions.
Currently, around 10,000 new PNG connections are being added each month in Delhi, a figure that could be scaled up to 25,000 if required, he added.
Expressing confidence in the initiative, the minister said wider adoption of PNG would boost clean energy usage, help curb pollution levels and ensure a safe, reliable gas supply for residents.
