Patna: After expanding the Piped Natural Gas (PNG) network across Patna, the Bihar government and the Centre have shifted focus to Bihta, where work is gathering pace to develop a comprehensive natural gas distribution network for households, vehicles and industries.
The proposed expansion is expected to provide PNG connections to nearly 50,000 families while also supplying natural gas to industrial units and commercial establishments. Officials say the project forms part of a broader effort to promote cleaner energy and strengthen urban infrastructure in the state.
NOC Clearances Expected to Speed Up Work
GAIL General Manager AK Sinha said the project has received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). He added that the Bihar government has also simplified the NOC approval process, which is expected to accelerate pipeline construction and enable faster gas connections for consumers.
According to officials, these clearances will help reduce project delays and support timely implementation of the city’s gas distribution network.
Why Bihta Has Been Chosen
Bihta has emerged as one of Bihar’s fastest-growing industrial and urban centres. The area has witnessed the expansion of residential colonies, educational institutions and industrial units, resulting in increasing demand for reliable energy infrastructure.
Officials believe the PNG network will provide uninterrupted cooking gas to households while supporting hotels, hospitals, restaurants and businesses with a stable fuel supply.
Cleaner Fuel for Industries and Transport
Industry experts say natural gas is a cleaner alternative to coal and diesel, with the potential to lower operating costs and reduce emissions. The expansion is also expected to improve the attractiveness of Bihta’s industrial area for future investments.
Alongside the household gas network, authorities plan to expand the CNG station network in and around Bihta. This is expected to encourage greater use of CNG by private vehicles, taxis, auto-rickshaws and buses, reducing dependence on petrol and diesel.
Benefits for Consumers
Once operational, the PNG network is expected to offer several advantages:
- Continuous 24-hour gas supply without cylinder bookings or replacements.
- Monthly billing based on actual gas consumption.
- Safer and cleaner fuel for domestic use.
- More kitchen space by eliminating LPG cylinder storage.
- Uninterrupted fuel supply for industries and commercial establishments.
- Lower environmental impact compared with conventional fossil fuels.
The expansion of the PNG and CNG infrastructure is part of Bihar’s broader push towards cleaner energy, with Bihta positioned as the next major centre in the state’s growing natural gas network after Patna.
