Empowering Move: PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone for City Gas Distribution Project in West Bengal

Kolkata, May 29, 2025 — In a major boost to energy infrastructure and clean fuel accessibility, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the City Gas Distribution project covering several districts of West Bengal. The initiative is part of the central government’s mission to expand natural gas access across India, promoting environmentally friendly fuel alternatives and fueling regional development.

City Gas Distribution Project to Transform West Bengal’s Energy Landscape

The City Gas Distribution project, once completed, is expected to supply piped natural gas (PNG) to households and compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles in multiple districts of West Bengal, including Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, and North 24 Parganas. The project is being implemented by GAIL (India) Limited under the guidance of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).

Speaking at the virtual foundation stone laying ceremony, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring energy security, reducing dependence on imported fuels, and providing citizens with cleaner energy options.

Clean Energy Push Through City Gas Distribution

The City Gas Distribution project aligns with India’s long-term goal of increasing the share of natural gas in its energy mix to 15% by 2030, up from the current 6%. The Prime Minister reiterated that natural gas is a crucial step towards reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and encouraging sustainable urban living.

“The City Gas Distribution network is a critical step in offering clean fuel to our citizens, reducing vehicular pollution, and generating employment in the region,” PM Modi stated.

This project will not only supply piped gas to homes and industries but also ensure widespread availability of CNG, encouraging a shift from conventional fuel vehicles to greener alternatives.

Economic and Environmental Benefits of City Gas Distribution

The launch of the City Gas Distribution project is expected to bring wide-ranging economic and environmental benefits to West Bengal:

• Job Creation: The project is anticipated to create direct and indirect employment during the construction and operational phases.
• Lower Fuel Costs: Households will benefit from affordable cooking gas, and transport sectors will see cost reductions with the use of CNG.
• Pollution Control: Natural gas is significantly cleaner than coal and oil, helping reduce the carbon footprint in urban and semi-urban areas.

Local industries and commercial entities will also benefit from uninterrupted supply of natural gas, reducing operational costs and enhancing energy efficiency.

West Bengal Joins India’s Growing City Gas Distribution Network

With this addition, West Bengal becomes a vital part of the expanding City Gas Distribution network in India. The initiative is in line with the “One Nation, One Gas Grid” vision, aimed at ensuring uniform energy availability and boosting economic equity across states.

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, who also addressed the event, highlighted that the project would integrate the eastern part of the country with India’s national gas grid. “The expansion of the City Gas Distribution network will also open up investment opportunities in logistics, transport, and allied sectors,” he said.

Public Response and Future Outlook

The public response to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, especially among residents in the project’s targeted districts. Many have expressed hope for improved fuel accessibility and reduced cooking gas costs.

As the groundwork begins, the City Gas Distribution project is expected to be completed in phases over the next few years. It reflects a broader national strategy of transitioning towards a gas-based economy with sustainable energy at its core.