Government Notifies Order To Strengthen Natural Gas Infrastructure

26 Mar 2026 CW Team

The order is expected to facilitate expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) networks and improve last-mile connectivity to households, transport and industrial users. It envisages faster rollout of city gas distribution (CGD) systems and trunk pipelines and aims to provide seamless access for authorised entities to lay and expand lines. Consumer-centric measures include time-bound provision of PNG connections and flexibility where physical connectivity is not technically feasible.

The reform introduces standardised processes, timelines and charges to reduce ambiguity and arbitrariness in approvals, and it prescribes defined compensation and restoration mechanisms such as dig-and-restore or dig-and-pay to minimise disputes with local authorities. Time-bound approvals with deemed clearance provisions will shorten procedural delays and reduce compliance burden through simplified documentation. Operational safeguards, including calibrated bank guarantee requirements, are designed to ensure accountability while avoiding excessive financial burden on developers.

The government says the measure will strengthen energy security and diversify the fuel mix, supporting a transition to a cleaner gas-based economy. Improved regulatory certainty and faster approvals are expected to boost investor confidence and catalyse infrastructure investment in urban and semi-urban areas. Wider adoption of natural gas for cooking, transport and industry is anticipated to contribute to better air quality and lower emissions while supporting economic growth.

The Government of India, through the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and put it into immediate effect. The order establishes a streamlined, time-bound framework for laying, building, operating and expanding pipeline infrastructure and seeks to address delays in approvals and access to land that have hindered investment. It presents a comprehensive, transparent and investor-friendly regime to accelerate development of gas distribution networks across jurisdictions. The order is expected to facilitate expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) networks and improve last-mile connectivity to households, transport and industrial users. It envisages faster rollout of city gas distribution (CGD) systems and trunk pipelines and aims to provide seamless access for authorised entities to lay and expand lines. Consumer-centric measures include time-bound provision of PNG connections and flexibility where physical connectivity is not technically feasible. The reform introduces standardised processes, timelines and charges to reduce ambiguity and arbitrariness in approvals, and it prescribes defined compensation and restoration mechanisms such as dig-and-restore or dig-and-pay to minimise disputes with local authorities. Time-bound approvals with deemed clearance provisions will shorten procedural delays and reduce compliance burden through simplified documentation. Operational safeguards, including calibrated bank guarantee requirements, are designed to ensure accountability while avoiding excessive financial burden on developers. The government says the measure will strengthen energy security and diversify the fuel mix, supporting a transition to a cleaner gas-based economy. Improved regulatory certainty and faster approvals are expected to boost investor confidence and catalyse infrastructure investment in urban and semi-urban areas. Wider adoption of natural gas for cooking, transport and industry is anticipated to contribute to better air quality and lower emissions while supporting economic growth.

Infrastructure Transport

01 Jun 2026

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Infrastructure Urban

01 Jun 2026

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

Infrastructure Urban

01 Jun 2026

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..