Finance
In a significant step towards expanding the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in India, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the CGD project in Alipurduar, West Bengal today. Addressing the gathering, he extended his greetings to the people of West Bengal from the historic land of Alipurduar. He highlighted the region’s rich cultural significance, emphasizing that it is not only defined by its borders but also by its deep-rooted traditions and connections. The Prime Minister remarked that Alipurduar shares its boundary with Bhutan, while Assam welcomes it on the other side, flanked by the natural beauty of Jalpaiguri and the pride of Cooch Behar as integral parts of the region. He expressed his privilege to visit this prosperous land, underscoring its role in Bengal’s heritage and unity.
“As India moves towards becoming a developed nation, Bengal’s participation is both expected and essential”, emphasised Shri Modi, highlighting the Central government’s continuous efforts to accelerate infrastructure, innovation, and investment in the region. “Bengal’s development as a foundational pillar of India’s future”, said Shri Modi, remarking that today marks the addition of another strong milestone in that journey. He announced the launch of the City Gas Distribution Project in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar, which will provide clean, safe, and affordable piped gas to over 2.5 lakh households. Shri Modi noted that this initiative will eliminate the concern of purchasing LPG cylinders, ensuring secure gas supply to families. Additionally, the expansion of CNG stations will enhance access to green fuel, resulting in cost savings, time efficiency, and environmental benefits. He congratulated the citizens of Alipurduar and Cooch Behar on this new beginning. “City Gas Distribution Project is not merely a pipeline initiative but a testament to the government’s commitment to doorstep delivery of essential services”, he emphasised.
Underscoring India’s remarkable advancements in the energy sector, emphasizing the country’s rapid transition towards a gas-based economy, the Prime Minister highlighted that in 2014, city gas services were available in only 66 districts, whereas today, the City Gas Distribution Network has expanded to over 550 districts across the country. The Prime Minister noted that this network is now reaching villages and smaller towns, ensuring access to piped gas for millions of households. He remarked that the widespread adoption of CNG has transformed public transport, contributing to a significant reduction in pollution levels. He emphasized that this shift not only improves the health of citizens but also eases financial burdens.
Stressing that the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has accelerated India’s transition towards a gas-based economy, Shri Modi highlighted that the scheme, launched in 2016, has significantly improved the lives of millions of poor women by providing them relief from smoke-filled kitchens, improving their health, and fostering dignity in household cooking spaces. Shri Modi also pointed out that in 2014, the country had fewer than 14 crore LPG connections, whereas today, the number has surpassed 31 crore, bringing the vision of universal gas access to reality. He stressed that the government has strengthened the gas distribution network nationwide, ensuring its reach to every corner of the country. Shri Modi further noted that the number of LPG distributors has more than doubled, stating that before 2014, India had fewer than 14,000 LPG distributors, while today, the number has increased to over 25,000. He emphasized that now, gas cylinders are easily available even in rural areas, making clean cooking fuel accessible to households across the nation.
Prime Minister emphasized the significance of the Urja Ganga Project, calling it a revolutionary step towards a gas-based economy. He highlighted that under this initiative, gas pipelines have been extended to connect the eastern states of India, significantly enhancing gas accessibility in West Bengal and other regions. The Prime Minister noted that these efforts by the Central government have not only expanded energy access but also created new employment opportunities across urban and rural areas. He remarked that from pipeline construction to gas supply, job generation has increased at multiple levels, strengthening the industrial ecosystem reliant on gas-based industries. “India is now progressing towards a future where energy is affordable, clean, and universally accessible”, the Prime Minister stated.
Emphasising that West Bengal has been a major center of India’s culture, knowledge, and scientific advancements, Shri Modi asserted that the vision of a developed India cannot be realized without Bengal’s growth. He noted that keeping this in mind, the Central government has initiated developmental projects worth thousands of crores over the past decade. He highlighted key infrastructure projects such as Purva Expressway, Durgapur Expressway, the modernization of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port, the expansion of Kolkata Metro, the transformation of New Jalpaiguri Station, and the introduction of new trains on the Dooars route—all aimed at accelerating Bengal’s progress. “The newly launched project is not merely a pipeline, but a lifeline of progress”, said Shri Modi, reiterating the government’s commitment to making life easier for citizens and ensuring a bright future for Bengal. He concluded by expressing hope that West Bengal will continue advancing towards development and extended his best wishes to the people of the state.
Union Minister Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Leader of Opposition, West Bengal Assembly, Shri Suvendu Adhikari, Member of Parliament, Alipurduar, Shri Manoj Tigga were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
The City Gas Distribution (CGD) project, worth over Rs 1010 crore, aims to provide Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to more than 2.5 Lakh households, over 100 commercial establishments and industries besides providing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to vehicular traffic by establishing around 19 CNG stations in line with the Minimum Work Program (MWP) targets stipulated by the Government. It will provide convenient, reliable, environment-friendly and cost-effective fuel supply and create employment opportunities in the region.
Source: PIB
