PNG Supply Emerges as Alternative Amid Gas Crisis, but Rourkela Project Lags

Growing Reliance on PNG Amid Middle East Conflict

Amid a gas crisis triggered by ongoing conflict in the Middle East, pipeline natural gas (PNG) has emerged as a crucial alternative for energy supply. However, for the residents of Rourkela, the city gas distribution (CGD) project remains largely a distant dream.

Slow Progress of City Gas Distribution Project

The CGD project in Sundargarh district, approved in 2018, has witnessed significant delays due to slow execution by GAIL (India) Limited. Despite being operational since 2023, the project has failed to achieve expected progress even after nearly eight years.

The sluggish pace has left many residents of Rourkela without PNG connections, raising concerns over administrative inefficiency and poor project execution.

Limited PNG Coverage in Rourkela

The original target was to provide PNG connections to around 1 lakh households in Rourkela and surrounding areas. However, only about 2,500 households have received connections so far.

Areas such as Chhend Colony, Kalinga Vihar Phases 1, 2, and 3, Civil Township, Koel Nagar, Jagda, Jhirpani, and RSP Township have seen limited connectivity.

Many Areas Still Awaiting Access

Several key localities, including Basanti Colony, Udit Nagar, and Panposh, are yet to receive PNG services. The process—from survey to pipeline laying and meter installation—has been facing repeated delays, often stretching over months.

Additional issues such as pipeline damage during road repairs and delays in technical approvals have further slowed progress.

Expansion Plans and Future Targets

GAIL has set a target to connect an additional 2,000 households by expanding the pipeline network by 150 km. However, the current slow pace raises doubts about achieving this goal.

The company’s cross-country pipeline from Bokaro to Rourkela, Jharsuguda, and Angul up to Srikakulam lies far from Sundargarh city, posing logistical challenges.

Alternative Supply and Future Possibilities

Until proper infrastructure is established, supplying gas through light commercial vehicles remains an alternative option. However, it is yet to be seen whether GAIL will adopt this approach.

Currently, pipeline infrastructure work is underway near Rajgangpur, and future phases will cover Sundargarh, Kuarmunda block, and Birmitrapur town.

However, pending land acquisition means residents may have to wait another 3–4 years to access PNG services.

Key Timeline of PNG Development

• 2016: Announcement of PNG connectivity for Rourkela by then Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
• 2018: Approval of CGD project for Sundargarh and Jharsuguda districts by GAIL
• 2019: First CNG station for vehicles inaugurated in Rourkela
• 2023: PNG supply made operational in selected residential areas
• 2025: PNG connection extended to the NIT Rourkela campus in April