New Delhi: Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL), a leading City Gas Distribution (CGD) company serving Delhi, the National Capital Region (NCR) and parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan, has announced a series of safety initiatives to strengthen CNG refuelling operations and ensure compliance with mandatory CNG cylinder hydrotesting requirements.
The key initiative is an AI-powered pilot project for CNG cylinder hydrotest verification, launched on October 15 at the Shantipath CNG station in New Delhi. The project was launched by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Joint Chief Controller of Explosives (North Circle) at the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), in the presence of Kumar Shanker, Managing Director of IGL, Mohit Bhatia, Director (Commercial) of IGL, and senior officials from PESO and IGL.
IGL Introduces AI-Powered CNG Cylinder Safety System
Under the pilot project, cameras installed at participating CNG stations capture vehicle registration numbers. An AI application then processes the registration details and connects with the online PESO portal to verify the hydrotest status of the CNG cylinder fitted in the vehicle.
If the system identifies an expired or invalid cylinder certification, it immediately sends automated alerts to station personnel. These alerts are delivered through multiple channels, including handheld devices, LED displays and public announcement systems.
The system enables station staff to take timely action before refuelling, adding another layer of verification to existing safety procedures.
Read also: IGL Wins PNGRB Excellence Award 2026 for Overall Performance in City Gas Distribution
PESO Official Highlights Importance of the Initiative
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Joint Chief Controller of Explosives (North Circle), PESO, appreciated IGL’s efforts to ensure safe CNG dispensing operations.
He described the initiative as an early step towards improving safety that could be expanded on a larger scale. He also highlighted its relevance to increasing the share of natural gas to 15% in the overall energy basket and supporting hydrogen blending in the future.
The initiative reflects the importance of strengthening safety systems as the use of natural gas and alternative fuel technologies continues to evolve.
IGL Reaffirms Commitment to CNG Safety
Kumar Shanker, Managing Director of IGL, emphasised that safety is a fundamental responsibility of the company and extends beyond regulatory compliance. He stated that every vehicle entering an IGL CNG station must undergo the prescribed safety checks to protect customers, employees and the general public.
Mohit Bhatia, Director (Commercial) of IGL, said the company plans to evaluate the pilot project’s performance before considering its expansion. IGL will also explore the possibility of integrating cylinder certification records more broadly with vehicle databases in consultation with regulatory stakeholders.
Comprehensive Safety Management Action Plan Strengthened
Alongside the AI-powered pilot project, IGL has strengthened its Comprehensive Safety Management Action Plan to establish a structured and continuously evolving framework for safe operations across its CNG stations.
The plan incorporates statutory requirements, standard operating procedures and guidance issued by PESO. It also establishes mechanisms to monitor compliance, identify violations, implement corrective measures and enforce applicable penalties wherever necessary.
By strengthening operational procedures and accountability, IGL aims to ensure that safety requirements are consistently followed across its CNG refuelling network.
Public Awareness Campaign Launched to Promote Timely Hydrotesting
As part of its broader safety initiatives, IGL has also launched a multi-channel public awareness campaign to educate vehicle owners about the importance of timely CNG cylinder hydrotesting and responsible vehicle ownership.
The campaign will use several communication channels, including:
- Delhi autorickshaws
- Posters at CNG stations
- FM radio
- Print media
- Social media platforms
The campaign aims to increase awareness among CNG users about the need to keep cylinder certifications valid and follow prescribed safety procedures. By combining technology, operational monitoring and public education, IGL seeks to improve safety awareness and encourage responsible CNG use.
About Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL)
Indraprastha Gas Limited is a City Gas Distribution company supplying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for vehicles and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to households across Delhi, NCR and several cities in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. The company operates a pipeline network spanning more than 30,000 kilometres and over 1,000 CNG stations, serving more than 2.5 million CNG-powered vehicles. IGL has also connected nearly 3.5 million households to its PNG network.
