The Government of India is working to expand the National Gas Grid to improve energy accessibility, affordability, and environmental sustainability across the country. According to Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has sanctioned approximately 34,233 km of Natural Gas Pipeline (NGPL) network, with 25,429 km already operational and 10,459 km under construction. The goal is to achieve the “One Nation, One Gas Grid” vision, which aims to provide a unified and integrated gas network across the country.
To achieve this goal, the government has initiated several measures, including the approval of major trunk pipelines, viability gap funding for regions with low gas demand, and a unified tariff system for pipeline usage. The expansion of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network, creation of LNG import infrastructure, and provision of marketing and pricing freedom for gas produced from challenging fields are also part of the plan. The SATAT programme to promote Bio-CNG is an important component of this roadmap.
The expansion of the National Gas Grid is expected to have numerous benefits, including improved availability of natural gas for households and CGD networks, leading to greater adoption of CNG and PNG for cleaner mobility and cooking fuel. For industries, reliable and competitively priced natural gas will reduce production costs, stimulate investments, improve manufacturing competitiveness, and create employment opportunities. The expansion of the gas pipeline network will also contribute to national environmental goals by facilitating a shift towards cleaner fuels and reducing dependence on polluting energy sources.
The government is working closely with state governments and implementing agencies to eliminate barriers and expedite pipeline construction across all regions. The strengthening of the National Gas Grid is a key initiative to promote energy security, sustainability, and economic growth in India. With the expansion of the gas pipeline network, the country can expect to see significant improvements in energy accessibility, affordability, and environmental sustainability, ultimately contributing to a more prosperous and sustainable future.