New Delhi: In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s clean energy infrastructure and promoting a gas-based economy, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a Rs 1,010 crore City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts of West Bengal. This ambitious initiative, aimed at supplying Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to over 2.5 lakh households and establishing 19 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations, marks a pivotal step in India’s journey towards achieving a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy ecosystem. The project, scheduled for completion by September 30, 2030, is poised to transform the energy landscape of these districts while contributing to India’s broader vision of “One Nation One Gas Grid” and increasing the share of natural gas in the country’s primary energy basket to 15% by 2030.
A Vision for a Cleaner, Greener West Bengal
Speaking at a large gathering in Alipurduar on May 29, 2025, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the critical role of West Bengal in India’s pursuit of becoming a ‘Viksit Rashtra’ (developed nation). “Today, when India is moving towards becoming a developed nation, Bengal’s participation in this process is both expected and essential,” he said. He highlighted that the CGD project is not merely about laying pipelines but reflects the Central Government’s commitment to delivering welfare schemes directly to the doorsteps of citizens. “This is not just a pipeline project. It is also an example of the government’s doorstep delivery of schemes. Through this initiative, we will supply clean and more affordable energy to households via a pipeline,” the Prime Minister added.
The project, executed under the aegis of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL), a Fortune Global 500 company and one of India’s leading integrated energy firms, aims to provide PNG to over 2.5 lakh households, more than 100 commercial establishments, and industrial units in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar. Additionally, the establishment of 19 CNG stations will cater to vehicular traffic, promoting cleaner transportation options and reducing dependence on traditional fuels like LPG. The tap-off points for natural gas supply are located at Ambari and Ghoksadanga stations of M/s GAIL in Cooch Behar district, ensuring a robust supply chain for the project.
Key Features of the City Gas Distribution Project
The CGD network is an interconnected system of underground natural gas pipelines designed to supply PNG and CNG through a network of PNG connections, CNG stations, and pipeline infrastructure. Natural gas, primarily composed of methane (CH4), is an odorless, gaseous mixture of hydrocarbons and serves as a cleaner fossil fuel alternative. The project involves laying steel and Medium-Density Polyethylene (MDPE) pipelines, alongside other equipment, to provide PNG connections to households, commercial establishments, and industries, and CNG to vehicles via dedicated stations.
The Rs 1,010 crore initiative is expected to have a transformative impact on the environment, economy, and community in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar. By promoting natural gas as a cleaner alternative to conventional fuels, the project aligns with India’s net-zero emission goals, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 27%. Over the 25-year project period, it is estimated to reduce 98 thousand metric tonnes (TMT) of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to planting around 50 lakh trees. Additionally, the project is projected to generate over 22 lakh man-days of direct and indirect employment, boosting local economic growth and creating job opportunities across construction, distribution, and industrial sectors.
Once fully operational, the CGD network will serve over 42 lakh people in these districts, providing a convenient, reliable, and cost-effective fuel supply. The provision of a robust gas distribution infrastructure will pave the way for a healthier environment and sustainable development in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar, reinforcing the region’s role in India’s clean energy transition.
The Role of PNGRB in CGD Development
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), constituted under the PNGRB Act, 2006, plays a pivotal role in overseeing the development of CGD networks across India. The PNGRB grants authorizations to entities for developing CGD networks in specified Geographical Areas (GAs). To date, the board has authorized CGD network development in 307 GAs, covering the entire country following the 12/12A CGD bidding round. This expansion has significantly increased the network’s reach, growing from 66 districts in 2014 to over 550 districts today, encompassing both urban and rural areas.
The PNGRB’s efforts have been complemented by several measures to propel the CGD network’s growth. The Urja Ganga Project, for instance, has extended gas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the City Gas Distribution (CGD) project launched in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar?
The CGD project, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 29, 2025, is a Rs 1,010 crore initiative to supply Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to over 2.5 lakh households, more than 100 commercial establishments, and industrial units in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts. It also includes establishing 19 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations to support cleaner transportation. The project, implemented by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL), aims to promote a gas-based economy, reduce environmental pollution, and provide cost-effective fuel by September 30, 2030.
2. How will the CGD project benefit the environment and the community?
The project aligns with India’s net-zero emission goals by promoting natural gas, a cleaner alternative to conventional fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 27%. Over its 25-year duration, it is expected to cut 98 thousand metric tonnes of emissions, equivalent to planting 50 lakh trees. Additionally, it will create over 22 lakh man-days of direct and indirect employment, boosting local economic growth and serving over 42 lakh people with reliable, environment-friendly fuel.
3. What is the role of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) in the CGD project?
The PNGRB, established under the PNGRB Act, 2006, authorizes entities to develop CGD networks in specific Geographical Areas (GAs). It has approved CGD network development in 307 GAs across India, expanding coverage from 66 districts in 2014 to over 550 districts today. The board also supports initiatives like the Urja Ganga Project and grants public utility status to CGD projects to enhance their implementation.
4. What are the challenges faced by the CGD project?
Key challenges include the high cost of pipeline infrastructure, which accounts for about 50% of the project cost, concentrated natural gas consumption in states like Delhi, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, and monopolistic tendencies due to exclusive geographic area allocations for CGD licensees, which can limit competition and innovation.
5. How does Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) contribute to the CGD project and sustainability?
BPCL, a Maharatna company, is implementing the Alipurduar and Cooch Behar CGD project. With a refining capacity of 35.3 MMTPA and an extensive network of over 23,500 fuel stations, BPCL is a leader in India’s energy sector. The company is committed to sustainability, with electric vehicle charging stations at over 6,500 fuel stations and a goal to achieve net-zero energy status by 2040 for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, while also supporting community initiatives in education, health, and skill development.
