PM Modi says will double city gas networks, set up 10K CNG stations

NEW DELHI: Unveiling his vision for transforming India into a gasbased economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said the government will more than double city gas networks to 400 districts, quadruple piped cooking gas connections to households to 20 million and also set up 10,000 CNG dispensing stations.

Speaking at first of its kind foundation laying ceremony, marking simultaneous beginning of city gas work in 129 districts of 18 states that were awarded in the recently concluded bid round, Modi said the push towards a gas-based economy where the share of environment-friendly fuel in the energy basket will be increased from 6.2 per cent to 15 per cent by 2030, will create lakhs of jobs and help meet India’s COP-21 (Climate Change Conference) commitment of cutting emission intensity by 33-35%. While pricing and marketing freedom is protecting investments made in the new age natural gas sector, an independent transport operator and a trading exchange are being developed to provide transparency in operations of pipelines and price discovery, he said.

Besides, laying foundation stones through video conferencing at 65 Geographical Areas, made up of 129 districts of 18 states, to mark the beginning of work for CNG supply to automobiles and piped cooking gas to kitchens, Modi also launched the 10th round of bidding for award of city gas licenses in 124 new districts.