Bhubaneswar, Mar 19: Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the much-awaited Rs 1,750 crore City Gas Distribution (CGD) project for the Twin Cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack here on Saturday.
Pradhan launched the project in the presence of Bhubaneswar MP Prasanna Patsani, Cuttack MP Bhatruhari Mahatab, Chairman and MD of GAIL (India) Ltd BC Tripathi, Nalco CMD Tapan Chand and GAIL Director (Projects) Ashutosh Karnatak.
Addressing the gathering, Pradhan said, “The project would usher in a new era of economic development and convenience in Odisha fuelled by environment-friendly natural gas. Rich or poor, the project would be beneficial for all, once it is implemented.”
“The project which has been launched today will see pipelines for natural gas delivery being laid in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and subsequently to other major cities like Rourkela, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Angul, Talcher, Jajpur, Kendrapara,”he added.
According to sources, the Natural Gas will be supplied to the people at 30 per cent less price than the LPG through the Jagdishpur Haldia & Bokaro Dhamra Natural Gas Pipeline (JHBDPL), popularly known as ‘Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga.’
Total investments worth Rs 5,700 crore have been planned for Odisha under the CGD and Urja Ganga programs. GAIL (India) Limited is implementing the JHBDPL as well as the CGD networks. GAIL Gas is a subsidiary of GAIL engaged in CGD activities.
Households and small industries in the two cities can avail Piped Natural Gas (PNG) while vehicles can use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) once the CGD network becomes operational.
The Bhubaneswar CGD project will benefit around 25 lakh people in Khurdha district and around 2.5 lakh households will be supplied with piped domestic natural gas. Moreover, 24 CNG stations will be commissioned in the first three to five years to supply CNG fuel to around 1 lakh vehicles.
Similarly, in Cuttack around 26 lakh people will be benefited by this project while 2.5 lakh households will get PNG connections.
Pradhan also inaugurated the Odisha office of GAIL (India) at Utkal Signature near Pahala.
Later, Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam performed in a live concert.
Ms Kalinga