Parliament Question: Expansion of Domestic PNG Connections in Coimbatore

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 6424 TO BE ANSWERED ON 2nd April, 2026 EXPANSION OF DOMESTIC PNG CONNECTIONS IN COIMBATORE 6424. DR. GANAPATHY RAJKUMAR P: 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 Union Government has taken steps to provide domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections in all areas of Coimbatore city and Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu, if so,the details thereof; (b) the details of the total number of authorised entities appointed for expanding domestic PNG connection networks across Coimbatore; and (c) the timeline by which the expansion of domestic PNG connection networks in Coimbatore city and Coimbatore district is likely to be completed? 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 is part of the development of City Gas Distribution (CGD) Network, which is carried out by the entities authorized by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) as per their Minimum Work Programme (MWP) and techno-commercial feasibility. Coimbatore district is covered under the Coimbatore Geographical Area (GA), which has been authorized by PNGRB to Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) for development of CGD network. The expansion and roll out of CGD network is a continuous process.As on 31.01.2026, IOCL has provided 39,235 PNG (D) connections in the GA. Recently, a comprehensive control order dated 24.03.2026 has been issued 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 unauthorised 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. *****