India’s efforts to expand natural gas accessibility have gained momentum, with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) accelerating the rollout of the National Gas Grid. The regulator has authorised around 34,233 km of natural gas pipeline network—covering common carrier routes, spur lines, tie-in connections and dedicated pipelines—across multiple regions. Of this, 25,429 km is already operational, while another 10,459 km is progressing through various stages of construction as of June 2025.To advance the vision of ‘One Nation, One Gas Grid,’ the government has introduced several measures aimed at strengthening connectivity and ensuring steady supply. These include approvals for key trunk pipeline projects, viability gap funding for low-demand regions, a unified tariff structure to promote equitable access, and rapid expansion of City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks. Additional initiatives such as establishing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals, granting marketing and pricing freedom under a defined ceiling for gas from challenging geological zones, and promoting Bio-CNG through the SATAT programme are further supporting the sector’s growth.Regular coordination between the central government, state administrations and implementing agencies is underway to remove bottlenecks, address right-of-way issues and speed up construction timelines.The expanding pipeline infrastructure is expected to significantly enhance access to clean, reliable and affordable fuel. Rural communities, industrial clusters and CGD areas stand to benefit through improved energy availability, reduced reliance on conventional fuels and increased convenience for households. For industries, consistent gas supply at competitive rates can strengthen manufacturing efficiency, attract investment, lower operational costs and generate employment. Within CGD networks, wider availability of CNG and PNG will support cleaner mobility and promote sustainable domestic energy use.This update was shared by Suresh Gopi, Minister of State, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.News source: PIB