Parliament Question: Expansion of CNG and PNG Services in Uttar Pradesh

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1859 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30th July, 2026 EXPANSION OF CNG AND PNG SERVICES IN UTTAR PRADESH †1859. SHRI UJJWAL RAMAN SINGH: पेट(cid:332)ोिलयम और (cid:366)ाकृ ितक गैस मं(cid:361)ी Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has any plan to promote and strengthen Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) services in the rural and backward regions of the country, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, if so, the details thereof; (b) the total number of CNG stations and PNG connections proposed to be set up in the rural areas of Uttar Pradesh; and (c) the steps being taken by the Government to improve the coverage of natural gas infrastructure across the country, particularly in Uttar Pradesh? ANSWER पेट(cid:332)ोिलयम और (cid:366)ाकृ ितक गैस मं(cid:361)ालय म(cid:336) रा(cid:475) मं(cid:361)ी ((cid:373)ी सुरेश गोपी) MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI) (a) to (c): Providing Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections and establishment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations is part of the development of City Gas Distribution (CGD) Network, which inter alia include creation of pipeline infrastructure and other facilities for the supply of PNG to domestic, commercial and industrial units and CNG to transport sector is being carried out by the entities authorized by Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). After completion of 12/12A CGD bidding round, PNGRB has authorized entities for the development of CGD network in 309 Geographical Areas (GAs) covering the entire mainland area of the country including rural and backward regions. PNGRB has authorized 43 GAs (including 1 GA spread over Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh, 1 GA spread over Uttarakhand & Uttar Pradesh, 1 GA spread over Bihar & Uttar Pradesh and 1 GA spread over Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh) covering the entire state of Uttar Pradesh (including rural and backward areas) for development of CGD network. CGD infrastructure rollout is undertaken by the authorized entities in accordance with the authorization granted by PNGRB and the approved project plan. As on 31.05.2026, the authorised CGD entities have provided 23,06,333 PNG domestic connections and established 1,375 CNG stations in the state of Uttar Pradesh.PNGRB, in collaboration with CGD entities, launched the National PNG Drive 2.0 from 1st January 2026 to 30th June 2026. PNGRB has informed that the initiative aims to ensure optimal utilization of existing infrastructure, promote new connections and activate non-billed customers, with an overall objective to increase the usage of natural gas across the diverse user categories. Under the initiative, various measures have been implemented by the Government and authorized CGD entities, including: i. Expansion of PNG connectivity to households, commercial establishments and industries; ii. Conversion of connected households into active billed consumers; iii. Awareness campaigns and consumer outreach programmes; iv. Coordination with State Governments and local authorities for expeditious statutory permissions; and v. Implementation of consumer-friendly measures, including digital registration, simplified connection processes and promotional schemes offered by CGD entities. The Government has notified a comprehensive control order dated 24.03.2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to facilitate time-bound expansion of pipeline infrastructure across the country, especially CGD. The Order provides a uniform framework for grant of right of way (RoW) and permissions by mandating strict timelines, enabling deemed approvals in case of delays, and prohibiting imposition of unauthorized charges by public authorities. It also addresses access issues in residential and private areas by ensuring non-discriminatory and time-bound permissions, thereby removing key bottlenecks in pipeline laying. The progress of CGD networks is monitored regularly through reports submitted by CGD entities. In cases of delay or shortfall, entities are advised to take corrective measures. This includes convening progress review meetings or statutory hearings, as provided under applicable regulations, to discuss challenges and review the latest status of Minimum Work Programme (MWP) targets in their authorized GAs. Additionally, the Government holds regular interactions and meetings with State Governments to support the development of CGD networks in their respective states and to address related challenges. *****