New Delhi: The government is stepping up efforts to expand the National Gas Grid as part of its vision to improve energy accessibility, affordability, and sustainability across the country. This ambitious initiative, driven by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, is set to enhance the availability of cleaner and more cost-effective energy for households, industries, and businesses alike.
The Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi, shared these developments in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha today, emphasizing that significant progress has already been made. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), the statutory body responsible for overseeing the construction and operation of natural gas pipelines, has approved approximately 34,233 km of natural gas pipeline (NGPL) infrastructure. Of this, 25,429 km is operational, and another 10,459 km is currently under construction across various stages.
Key Achievements and Ongoing Developments
The National Gas Grid expansion is part of the government’s larger strategy to create a unified energy network that connects all corners of the country. As of June 2025, a significant portion of the pipeline network is already functional, and work on the remaining pipeline infrastructure is progressing at full speed.
The expansion includes a variety of pipeline types, including common carrier pipelines, spur lines, dedicated pipelines, and connectivity links. These will ensure a seamless supply of natural gas, which is expected to replace traditional fossil fuels and promote cleaner energy alternatives.
Government Initiatives to Speed Up the Expansion
The government has implemented several key measures to fast-track the realization of the ‘One Nation, One Gas Grid’ vision. These include:
- Approval of major trunk pipeline projects to connect remote and underserved regions.
- Viability gap funding for areas with lower demand, ensuring that gas supply reaches even the most difficult-to-serve regions.
- A unified tariff structure for gas, which ensures fair and transparent pricing across the country.
- Expansion of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network to improve the availability of CNG and PNG for domestic use.
- Establishment of LNG terminals to enhance the import and distribution of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
- Marketing and pricing freedom for gas sourced from challenging regions such as deep-water, ultra-deep-water, and high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) fields.
- Promotion of Bio-CNG under the SATAT initiative, which supports the government’s push for cleaner, renewable energy sources.
These combined efforts are designed to ensure the timely completion of pipeline projects and their efficient operation.
Benefits for Households, Industries, and the Environment
The expansion of the National Gas Grid promises numerous advantages:
- For households: Increased access to CNG for vehicles and PNG for cooking will contribute to cleaner urban mobility and improved domestic fuel consumption.
- For industries: Assured access to natural gas at competitive rates will significantly reduce operational costs, making India an attractive destination for industrial investment. The availability of affordable natural gas is expected to boost manufacturing output, foster job creation, and enhance the ease of doing business.
- Environmental Impact: The shift towards natural gas is in line with India’s environmental objectives. By reducing dependence on traditional fossil fuels, the expansion will help cut carbon emissions and improve air quality, particularly in urban areas.
Collaborative Approach with State Governments
To ensure smooth execution, the Centre is actively working in close coordination with state governments and implementing agencies to resolve any bottlenecks in the construction of the pipeline network. This cooperative approach is essential to meet the ambitious targets set for the National Gas Grid.
The expansion of the National Gas Grid represents a significant step toward transforming India’s energy landscape. By enhancing access to cleaner, more affordable energy sources, this initiative will not only improve the quality of life for millions of citizens but also stimulate industrial growth, attract investments, and contribute to India’s sustainability goals. As the country moves forward with this energy revolution, natural gas will play an increasingly crucial role in powering a greener, more prosperous future.
