Puducherry residents could soon switch from using gas cylinders to having piped gas connections | Photo credit: KUMAR SS
The policy of providing piped gas connections. in the Union Territory is taking shape, with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (PNGRB), appointing four private entities for the Urban Gas Distribution project in Puducherry, Karaikal , Mahe and Yanam. regions.
In compliance with the notification of Puducherry City Gas Distribution Policy, 2023, Last month, the government appointed East Coast Natural Gas Distribution Private Limited for pipeline gas supply in Puducherry region, Torrent Gas Private Limited in Karaikal region, Indian Oil-Adani Gas Private Limited in Mahe and HCG Yanam Private Limited for Yanam.
Director of Industries and Commerce, PT Rudra Goud, stated in a press release that the PNGRB has given its approval to the four companies to install urban gas networks in the four regions.
โThe policy aims to promote adoption of natural gas in the UT of Puducherry as a green and clean fuel, to provide reliable/uninterrupted supply of natural gas, to develop applicable rules/regulations to encourage use of natural gas for industrial purposes, commercial and domestic in a staggered manner. Four organizations have received authorization to lay gas supply pipelines. Now these agencies will draw up an annual plan to lay the pipelines and based on this the district administration will give approval for the excavation works,โ he said.
In all likelihood, piped gas supply will begin first in Karaikal as Torrent Gas Private Limited is already involved in the business in neighboring districts of the enclave, Goud said.
