Patna: GAIL India is steadily expanding its Piped Natural Gas (PNG) network across Patna, bringing cleaner and more convenient cooking fuel to thousands of households. While pipeline infrastructure has reached several major localities, residents in many areas are still waiting for domestic connections due to the pace of installation.
According to GAIL, 39,680 households in the state capital have been provided PNG connections so far. In the first week of March, the number stood at around 29,000, indicating that more than 10,000 new households have been connected to the network in just a few months.
Pipeline Network Expands Across Patna
The pipeline carrying PNG has already been laid from Naubatpur to Gandhi Maidan, while another stretch has reached Kankarbagh via Anisabad, Gardanibagh and Mithapur.
In addition, pipeline infrastructure has been extended to several western and central parts of the city, including Jagdeo Path, IGIMS, Gola Road, Danapur, Patel Nagar, CDA Colony, AG Colony, Kesari Nagar, Indrapuri, Pataliputra Colony, Pataliputra Industrial Area, Boring Road, Boring Canal Road and Kidwaipuri. Household connections in these areas are being provided in phases.
Connection Process Still Slow
Despite the expansion of the pipeline network, the pace of providing household connections has remained slower than expected. As a result, many residents in areas where pipelines have already been installed continue to wait for PNG connections, leading to inconvenience.
Officials say the focus is now shifting from pipeline expansion to accelerating last-mile connectivity so that more families can benefit from the service.
50 Additional Teams to Be Deployed from August
GAIL General Manager A.K. Sinha said the company is increasing its workforce to speed up domestic PNG installations.
Currently, around 100 teams are engaged in connection-related work every day. From August, the number will be increased to 150 teams, with an additional 50 teams deployed across the city.
The move is expected to accelerate the installation process and help clear pending applications more quickly.
Relief from LPG Cylinder Hassles
Once connected to the PNG network, households will no longer need to book, store or wait for LPG cylinders. Instead, natural gas will be supplied directly to homes through pipelines, and consumers will be billed based on actual usage.
The transition is expected to make cooking gas supply more reliable, convenient and hassle-free for residents as GAIL continues expanding its city gas distribution network in Patna.
