Parliament Question: CNG and City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks in the State of Bihar

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 3496 ANSWERED ON - 23/03/2026 CNG AND CITY GAS DISTRIBUTION (CGD) NETWORKS IN THE STATE OF BIHAR 3496# DR. BHIM SINGH: Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state: (a) the progress made till date in the expansion of CNG and City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in the country, particularly in the State of Bihar; (b) the number of CNG stations and domestic/commercial gas connections operational so far and the targets set for the same; and (c) whether any obstacles have been encountered in timely achievement of the set targets in Bihar, if so, the steps being taken by Government to overcome them and the time by when the targets are likely to be achieved? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI) (a) to (c) Providing Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections, establishment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations and laying of pipeline infrastructure is part of the development of City Gas Distribution (CGD) Network, which is carried out by the entities authorized by Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) as per their Minimum Work Programme (MWP) and techno-commercial feasibility. After completion of 12/12A CGD bidding round, PNGRB has authorized entities for the development of CGD network in 307 Geographical Areas (GAs), covering the entire mainland area of the country including State of Bihar. As per MWP targets, authorised entities have to provide 12.63 crore PNG Domestic (PNG(D)) connections, establish 18,336 CNG stations and lay 5,46,867 inch-km pipeline by 2034 across the country. As on 31.01.2026, the authorized CGD entities have provided more than 1.62 crore PNG(D) connections, established 8,616 CNG stations and laid 6.42 lakh inch-km pipeline across the country. PNGRB has authorized 14 Geographical Areas (GAs) in the state of Bihar (including one GA spread over Bihar & Uttar Pradesh and three GA spread over Bihar & Jharkhand) covering entire state of Bihar for development of CGD Network. As per MWP targets provided by PNGRB, authorised entities have to provide 52,93,075 PNG(D) connections, establish 712 CNG stations and lay 23,215 inch-km of pipeline infrastructure by 2030 in the State of Bihar. As on 31.01.2026, the authorised CGD entities have provided 3,35,123 PNG(D) connections, established 268 CNG stations and laid 30,841 inch-km pipeline infrastructure in Bihar. Further, as on 31.01.2026, the authorized entities have provided 295 PNG (Commercial)connections as well. The problems being faced in expansion of PNG network is mainly attributed to delay in grant of permissions by the statutory authorities. However, any issue reported by the CGD entities related to laying pipelines are suitably taken up with appropriate authorities for expeditious resolution. Further, regular review of progress of projects is being conducted by PNGRB and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas with the entities to discuss the challenges and the latest updates on their MWP targets in authorized GAs. ******