Parliament Question: Expansion of natural gas pipeline and its impact

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-308 ANSWERED ON-02/02/2026 EXPANSION OF NATURAL GAS PIPELINE AND ITS IMPACT 308 SHRI JAGGESH: Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has expanded the national natural gas pipeline network to ensure wider regional connectivity across the country; (b) whether the expansion of the natural gas grid has improved access to natural gas for City Gas Distribution networks, industries and households, particularly in previously underserved regions; (c) whether Government has evaluated the role of the expanded gas pipeline infrastructure in promoting cleaner energy use and reducing dependence on conventional fossil fuels; and (d) whether Government has established monitoring mechanisms and accountability frameworks to ensure timely completion and effective utilisation of ongoing natural gas pipeline projects, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI) (a) & (b) Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is the authority to grant authorization to various entities to Lay, build, operate and expand Natural Gas Pipelines (NGPL). As on September 2025, PNGRB has authorized approximately 34,238 km of NGPL network which includes common carrier, spur line, tie-in connectivity and dedicated pipeline across the country to create a National Gas Grid to be completed within periods as specified in the PNGRB authorization. All the States and Union Territories, except Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar Island and Lakshwadeep are covered by Natural Gas Pipeline Network authorized by PNGRB. The operational Natural Gas Pipeline network has increased from 15,340 km in September 2014 to 25,923 km as on September 2025. This expanding pipeline network interlinks gas supply sources with demand centres and enables seamless transportation of natural gas across regions, including hitherto unserved and underserved areas, thereby strengthening national energy connectivity. The expansion of the natural gas pipeline grid has significantly improved access of natural gas for City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks, industries, power plants, and households. Aftercompletion of 12/12A CGD bidding round, PNGRB has authorized entities for the development of CGD network in 307 Geographical Areas (GAs), covering almost 100% of the mainland area for the development of CGD network across the country. As per Minimum Work Programme (MWP) targets provided by PNGRB, authorised entities have to provide approx. 12.6 crore PNG connections and establish 18,336 CNG Stations by 2034. Significant progress has been made in the expansion of City Gas Distribution (CGD) infrastructure since 2014. As on 30.11.2025, the number of PNG Domestic connections has registered a substantial increase 159 lakh from 22 lakh in the financial year 2013-14.While the network of CNG stations has expanded from 783in 2013-14 to more than 8,400 as of November 2025. Furthermore, the authorized entities have provided 21,074 Industrial and 46,935 Commercial connections in their respective Geographical Areas. (c) The expansion of the natural gas pipeline grid has significantly increased adoption of natural gas which has played a crucial role in reducing India’s dependence on conventional fossil fuels like coal and crude oil. Consumption of Natural Gas in the country has increased from approx 138 Million Metric Standard Cubic Meters per Day (MMSCMD) in 2014 to approx. 190 MMSCMD in 2025. With expanding pipeline and CGD network, use of CNG as transportation fuel in vehicles (due to its cost effectiveness and lower emissions) is increasing. This has correspondingly reduced the demand for petrol and diesel which are refined from crude oil. Similarly, industries previously dependent on furnace oil and diesel are also progressively shifting to natural gas (mainly in the form of piped natural gas). (d) In order to expedite the construction of National Gas Grid, Government continually reviews and coordinates with the concerned State Governments and executing agencies to resolve the challenges such as securing Right of Use (RoU) of land, obtaining forest and environmental permissions, obtaining approvals for crossings such as Rivers, Canals, Railways, National Highways, etc. National Single Window System (NSWS) has been launched on 22.09.2021 by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry which provides single platform to enable the stakeholders in identification of the issues and obtaining of approvals and clearances needed. For development of pipelines and CGD infrastructure, entities may apply for clearances & approvals on NSWS portal. The Know Your Approvals (KYA) module includes guidance for 32 Central Departments and 31 States. Further, PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, an integrated plan which will address the missing gaps to ensure seamless movement of people, goods & services, has also been launched. It aims to enhance ease of living, ease of doing business, minimize disruptions and expedite completion of works with cost efficiencies. ****