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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 3500
ANSWERED ON - 23/03/2026
EXPANSION OF CNG AND CGD NETWORKS IN MAHARASHTRA AND GUJARAT
3500 SHRI BABUBHAI JESANGBHAI DESAI:
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:
(a) progress made so far in the expansion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations and City Gas
Distribution (CGD) networks across the country, particularly in the States of Maharashtra and
Gujarat;
(b) number of CNG stations currently operational in these States and the number of domestic and
commercial PNG connections provided so far, along with the targets set for expansion; and
(c) whether any obstacles have been encountered in achieving the targets for the expansion of CNG
and CGD infrastructure in these States and if so, the steps being taken by Government to address
these challenges and the expected timeline for achieving the set targets?
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 the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
PNGRB has authorised 22 Geographical Areas (GAs) (including 2 GAs spread over Maharashtra,
Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh) covering the entire State of Maharashtra, 32 GAs (including 1 GA
spread over Daman and Diu & Gujarat and 1 GA spread over Maharashtra & Gujarat) covering the
entire State of Gujarat for the development of CGD networks.
As per the MWP targets, authorised entities have committed to provide 1,21,84,106 PNG(D)
connections, establish 2,133 CNG stations and lay 41,776 inch-km of pipeline infrastructure by 2032
in the State of Maharashtra. As on 31.01.2026, the authorised CGD entities have provided 45,74,500
PNG(D) connections, established 1,235 CNG stations and laid 60,066 inch-km pipeline infrastructure
in Maharashtra. Further, as on 31.01.2026, the authorized entities have provided 5,805 PNG
(Commercial) connections as well.As per the MWP targets, authorised entities have committed to provide 42,58,142 PNG(D)
connections, establish 331 CNG stations and lay 35,535 inch-km of pipeline infrastructure by 2028 in
the State of Gujarat. As on 31.01.2026, the authorised CGD entities have provided 36,86,198 PNG(D)
connections, established 1,045 CNG stations and laid 1,37,104 inch-km pipeline infrastructure in
Gujarat. Further, as on 31.01.2026, the authorized entities have provided 23,078 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.
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