Patna: Patna is preparing for a significant expansion of its compressed natural gas (CNG) network, with plans in place to construct 24 new CNG stations across the district, a move aimed at supporting the city’s growing fleet of gas-powered vehicles and reducing vehicular emissions.
According to officials, construction has already begun at 12 locations, while work on the remaining 12 stations is yet to commence. Once all the proposed facilities are completed, Patna district will have a total of 60 CNG stations. The entire expansion programme is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Several stations are currently under construction in key parts of the city, including R Block, Transport Nagar, Rajendra Nagar and the Phulwari transport complex. Officials said the mother station at Transport Nagar is likely to be completed by March. However, work at the Phulwari transport complex is awaiting the finalisation of an agreement between GAIL and the state transport department.
In addition to standalone facilities, CNG dispensing units are also planned at 10 existing petrol pumps in the district. Proposals have already been sent to the respective pump operators for approval and implementation.
The expansion comes amid a sharp rise in the number of CNG vehicles in Patna. Officials estimate that the city currently has around 30,000 CNG-run vehicles, including auto-rickshaws, buses, cars and other small vehicles. With demand expected to grow further, authorities say the additional stations are necessary to ease pressure on existing facilities and ensure wider access to cleaner fuel.
