Karnataka Government's Plan for Piped Gas to 60 Lakh Homes by 2030
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Karnataka government has announced a plan to provide piped gas connections to over 60 lakh households by 2030. This initiative aims to address previous delays and improve access to gas supply across the state. The project involves collaboration with local bodies to ensure timely implementation.
Key Takeaways
- 60 lakh households to receive piped gas by 2030.
- New policies in place for efficient implementation.
- Current progress includes 5.10 lakh connections and 474 CNG stations.
- Gas pipeline installation rate fixed at one rupee per meter.
- Collaboration with local urban bodies for better coordination.
Bengaluru, March 4 (NationPress) The Congress-led government in Karnataka revealed on Tuesday that piped gas connections will be extended to over 60 lakh households in the state by 2030.
The announcement was made by Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil during a session in the Legislative Council.
“The prior delay in connecting households to gas was due to inconsistent rates set by various local administrative authorities. Now that this issue has been addressed, we are on track to provide piped gas connections to the remaining 60 lakh households by 2030,” Minister Patil stated.
His comments were in response to a query posed by BJP MLC D.S. Arun in the Legislative Council.
According to the national city gas supply policy, the installation price for gas supply pipelines is set at one rupee per meter. The central government has also communicated successful initiatives from states like Uttar Pradesh, as noted by Patil.
During the previous BJP government, under former CM Basavaraj Bommai, this policy was recognized for its public interest and environmental benefits. The state now aims to connect a total of 66.25 lakh households and establish 1,022 CNG refueling centers, according to the minister.
The project kicked off in 2015, with the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) overseeing the work in Bengaluru. As of 2023, gas connections have been provided to 4.07 lakh households and 320 CNG stations have been set up. Noting the sluggish progress, a new policy was introduced, leading to an additional 1.01 lakh households being connected and 154 more CNG stations launched. To hasten the implementation, coordination meetings with local urban bodies are currently being held, he noted.
To date, a total of 5.10 lakh households have received gas connections, and 474 CNG stations are operational. The remaining objectives will be met within the next five years. Approvals from local bodies and public works departments were granted in July 2024, Patil added.
In line with the central government’s directive, the meter price is set at one rupee, and the profits from this pricing must be transferred to consumers over time by gas supply companies. This stipulation has been made mandatory through an undertaking from the relevant companies, and it has also been included in the new policy, the minister clarified in response to a question.
