In a groundbreaking move hailed as a major leap towards cleaner energy and reduced carbon footprints, Hardeep S. Puri, the Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, has officially inaugurated a whopping 201 CNG stations across India, alongside the nation’s pioneering Small Scale LNG Unit by GAIL. This development not only fuels the country’s drive towards a gas-based economy but also reinforces its commitment to sustainable growth.
Addressing the audience through a video conference, Puri championed the cause, asserting, “Today marks another milestone on the road to becoming a gas-based economy and a step forward towards our pursuit for energy security combined with growth in a sustainable manner.” The government’s ambitious vision to elevate the share of natural gas in India’s primary energy mix to 15% by 2030 was highlighted, emphasizing the significance of a National Gas Grid (NGG) and an expansive City Gas Distribution (CGD) network for realizing the dream of a gas-based economy.
The grand unveiling of the 201 CNG stations was carried out amidst the virtual presence of key figures such as Union Minister of State, Petroleum and Natural Gas & Labour and Employment Rameshwar Teli, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and GAIL (India) Limited. These stations, established by 15 CGD entities within the GAIL group, span across 52 geographical areas in 17 states, symbolizing a nationwide stride towards environmental stewardship and energy efficiency.
Not to be overshadowed, the spotlight also shone brightly on India’s first Small Scale LNG Unit at GAIL’s Vijaipur LPG plant, a project worth ₹150 crores. Minister Puri extolled the innovative venture, noting its potential to bridge gas sources with markets and consumers, thereby facilitating the monetization of these resources.
The event was not just a showcase of India’s commitment to cleaner fuel but also a testament to GAIL’s dedication towards sustainable and responsible energy solutions. With these new additions, India takes a significant step closer to its vision, aiming for a future with around 17,500 CNG stations and approximately 120 million PNG (Domestic) connections by 2030. This expansion is expected to bolster ancillary industries, driving the nation closer to the dream of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).
Through this initiative, Minister Puri and the Indian government reiterate their unwavering commitment to sustainable energy practices, setting the stage for a greener, more prosperous future.
