Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated a project aimed at supplying natural gas via pipeline to Guwahati city, at an event held at Lok Sewa Bhawan.
This development marks the commencement of the project’s first phase, wherein 101 households in the Geetanagar locality have been incorporated. Concurrently, he virtually inaugurated Barak Valley’s first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station in Silchar. He also laid the foundation stone for the commencement of piped gas supply works in Hajo, Sualkuchi, Rangia, and Baihata Chariali.
Sarma described the pipeline-based natural gas initiative, undertaken by Purba Bharati Gas Private Limited, as a promising step towards a sustainable future. He noted that Purba Bharati Gas Private Limited was established as a joint venture between Assam Gas Company Limited, Oil India Limited, and GAIL Gas Limited, with the objective of developing a City Gas Distribution (CGD) network across the districts of Kamrup, Kamrup Metropolitan, Cachar, Hailakandi, and Shreebhumi.
He remarked upon the transparent bidding mechanism employed by the Central Government in launching the CGD initiative in Assam and affirmed that work is ongoing to expand piped natural gas access to other regions of the state. He added that an investment of Rs 2,616.95 crores has been allocated by Purba Bharati Gas Private Limited for the project, which is projected for completion in Kamrup and Kamrup Metropolitan districts by 30 September 2028.
Expounding upon the scale of the ongoing work, the Chief Minister stated that, under the CGD project, approximately 765 kilometres of medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) pipelines and 43 kilometres of steel pipelines have thus far been laid.
He noted that 30,693 households have registered for domestic piped natural gas (PNG) connections, of which 6,175 have already been provided with completed ‘last mile’ connectivity. He underscored that, with the establishment of the gas grid under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Assam has effectively addressed its deficit in natural gas supply. He encouraged the public to avail themselves of this clean, and cost-effective energy alternative.
Sarma remarked that an urban configuration akin to the National Capital Region is beginning to emerge around Guwahati, potentially forming a cohesive State Capital Region. He observed that the eventual completion of the proposed Ring Road would integrate surrounding locales into a contiguous urban expanse. He also provided updates on major infrastructure projects, including the Guwahati-North Guwahati bridge, expected to reach completion by December, and the Palasbari-Sualkuchi bridge, anticipated by 2027. Additionally, he noted that the planned bridge linking Narengi and Kurua would significantly enhance regional connectivity, reducing travel time and improving access.
The CM highlighted the necessity of increasing the number of Compressed Natural Gas stations throughout the state. He cited existing models in other parts of the country, such as Delhi, as precedents for encouraging the adoption of CNG-fuelled vehicles, which, he noted, would play a vital role in improving Assam’s air quality. At present, 23 CNG stations are operational in the state. With the commissioning of the Silchar station, preparations are now underway to establish further facilities in Hailakandi and Shreebhumi, he added.
