Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, laid the foundation stone for the City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in West Bengal’s Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts. Valued at over ₹1,010 crore, the project is designed to deliver Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to more than 2.5 lakh households and over 100 commercial and industrial units. It also includes the installation of approximately 19 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations to cater to vehicular needs, aligning with the Government’s Minimum Work Program (MWP) guidelines.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s significant strides in the energy sector over recent years.
“Our nation is swiftly transitioning towards an energy-driven economy. The city gas distribution network now covers more than 5,520 districts. CNG has transformed transportation, contributing to reduced pollution, better public health, and savings for citizens,” he said.
PM Modi noted that over 31 crore people across the country now have LPG connections, and the goal of providing gas access to every household is steadily being realized. He credited the government’s robust expansion of the gas distribution network for this progress.
Referring to the Urja Ganga Gas Pipeline Project, the Prime Minister described it as a landmark initiative in the move towards a gas-based economy. “This project has successfully extended pipeline infrastructure to eastern India. Such efforts are not only advancing the energy sector but also creating new employment opportunities and encouraging growth in gas-based industries,” he remarked.
He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to building an India where energy is affordable, clean, and widely accessible.
Following the event in West Bengal, the Prime Minister is scheduled to travel to Bihar later in the day and will visit Uttar Pradesh on Friday.
