This is one project that is changing the experience of living in the tri-city and taking it to the next level of comfort. Housewives in the city in near future will no longer have to worry about their cooking fuel getting exhausted as piped natural gas is making its way into their kitchens. All thanks to the futuristic project of Indian Oil-Adani Gas Pvt Ltd that came to the city three years ago and has transformed the energy sector both in domestic and transport sector, says Sanjay Tarat, Asset Head, IOAGPL-Chandigarh Region, in conversation with Priya Yadav of Elets News Network (ENN).
How is the piped natural gas project taking shape in Chandigarh and its vicinity?
Indian Oil-Adani Gas Pvt Ltd (IOAGPL) is a consortium of Indian Oil Corporation and Adani Gas Ltd which has been authorised by Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) for the development of City Gas Distribution Network in the Chandigarh Geographical Area (GA). The Chandigarh GA, spread over an area of 727 sq kms, includes parts under 01 Union Territory and 03 States. The GA includes Banur, Zirakpur, Derrabassi and Mohali City in the State of Punjab; Panchkula City, Pinjore and Kalka in the State of Haryana; Baddi, Barotiwala and Nalagarh in the State of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining areas.
What will the project mean for its residents and what are its benefits?
The project intends to provide the residents under the authorised GA 24X7 supply of Natural Gas. This shall be provided in the form of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to the consumers under the domestic/residential, commercial and industrial sectors and in the form of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and to the consumers under the transport sector.
As part of the project, IOAGPL has laid approximately 700 kms of natural gas pipeline network within the authorised GA, covering almost the entire area under Punjab and Chandigarh UT and partial areas under Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.
There are several advantages of piped gas line for the consumers. It is economical, cheaper and far more convenient for the families. It is supplied 24×7 which will not get exhausted and there is no worry of it getting exhausted. One has to pay Rs 5,600 per connection for domestic connection out of which Rs 5,500 is refundable. There are different slabs–you can get a connection for Rs 4,000 or even start without paying anything. The bill of entire month is nearly one-third of what one pays for the LPG. The gas is completely safe, cannot be stolen and is easy to use.
How many consumers does IOAGPL has at the moment in the city?
Presently, IOAGPL has connected 12,000 domestic PNG consumers in UT of Chandigarh through a well-designed network of copper and GI piping, providing a 24X7 supply of Natural Gas to the residents. Shortly, IOAGPL will be connecting and benefitting the residents in th regions of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh as well.
What is the status of establishing CNG stations in the city and what are your plans for the transport sector?
IOGAPL is operating 4 CNG stations within the GA and will be commissioning 5 new CNG stations within months. The work of connecting Natural Gas to Commercial and Industrial units within the GA is also under process.
What is the aim of IOAGPL project in the city and how does it hope to fulfill it?
The primary aim of IOAGPL is to provide an unaltered supply of Natural Gas in the authorised GA, connecting the consumers in every sector possible. The availability of Natural Gas would mean a reduction in pollution levels as it is an eco-friendly, safe and reliable fuel. Also, it is the best alternate fuel to LPG for domestic/residential and commercial sector; to petcoke and related fuel for industrial sector; and also as one of the best alternate fuels to diesel and petrol for the transport sector.
The project truly aims towards helping in creating a cleaner environment by providing a clean, green and less polluting fuel to the society.