How Did Ishwariya Become Gujarat’s First Village with LPG Pipeline for Every Household?

Amreli, Sep 5 (NationPress) Ishwariya village in Amreli district has made history by becoming the first village in Gujarat to provide LPG pipeline connections to every household, thus ending years of reliance on gas cylinders. With a population of about 2,000 and nearly 400 families, Ishwariya now benefits from a continuous, 24-hour cooking gas supply through pipelines.

This advancement means that village housewives no longer need to travel to Amreli city, located 8 km away, to refill gas cylinders or worry about running out of gas during meal preparation.

“Previously, when we ran out of gas, we faced challenges finding a new cylinder, either in the village or city. Now, with piped gas, that issue is resolved. It’s also more affordable,” said Shilpaben Vamja, a local resident.

This significant initiative is attributed to Rajkot MP and former Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, who is originally from Ishwariya. The village already had essential facilities like roads, drinking water, and sewer lines, and has now integrated a vital modern utility that combines convenience with environmental advantages.

The village sarpanch noted that besides saving time and effort, the transition to piped gas has provided financial relief, as the costs are lower than those of gas cylinders.

Women in Ishwariya express that this change enables them to cook without anxiety, allowing them to prepare better meals for their families.

Situated just 8 km from the district headquarters, Ishwariya has distinguished itself as Gujarat’s first 100 percent Smart Village, known for its unity, contemporary infrastructure, and robust community spirit.

With paved roads, 24/7 CCTV surveillance, LED streetlights, restored stepwells, Wi-Fi access, a community hall, and public parks, the village provides urban-level amenities in a rural environment.

Every household is now linked to an LPG pipeline, liberating families from the inconvenience of obtaining cylinders, while a successful watershed project and water harvesting system guarantee dependable drinking water. Ishwariya combines tradition, technology, and sustainability, positioning itself as a model for rural empowerment and a beacon of inspiration for villages across Gujarat.

Gujarat has emerged as a leader in India for Piped Natural Gas (PNG) infrastructure, quickly extending access to households, industries, and cities. By April 2025, the state is expected to have around 3.6 million domestic PNG connections, representing 39.7 percent of its non-Ujjwala LPG consumers, a share that significantly surpasses other states.

From August 2023 to February 2024, Gujarat added nearly 175,000 new PNG connections, reflecting a growth of 5.6 percent within just seven months. The state’s gas pipeline network is among the most extensive in India, comprising over 3,370 km of main lines, which accounts for roughly 20 percent of the nation's total gas pipeline length.

Furthermore, Gujarat leads in city gas distribution, with nearly 84 percent of its area and over 87 percent of its population already served — with aspirations for complete coverage soon.