70% Mumbaikars to have piped gas connection by 2022: Pradhan

Says Modi govt is committed to extend the piped gas networks in the country to 30,000 kms in the next 15 years as against the 15,000 kms network today

Government of India today said it is preparing a concrete plan for providing piped gas connections to at least 70% of households in Mumbai by 2022.

"We have decided to provide domestic piped gas (piped natural gas) to at east 70% of the houses in the Mumbai metropolis by 2022. We will hold talks with the state government and the municipal corporation also to achieve this target," Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said here after a review meeting with officials of the natural gas distribution company, Mahanagar Gas Limited.

Pradhan said a feasibility study will be conducted before implementing the plan, and added that "the decision is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plan to put the piped gas connectivity in the nationwide mission mode."

Currently, there are 15 crore LPG connections in the country, while the number of piped natural gas (PNG) connections stands at around 20-22 lakh, of which Mumbai alone accounts for 7.30 lakh customers, he said.

"PNG is a good clean, cheaper and safe fuel," he said.

Modi government is committed to extend the piped gas networks in the country to 30,000 kms in the next 15 years as against the 15,000 kms network today, the Minister said.

Besides, the government also has plans to provide PNG connectivity to all crematoriums in the city as people often complain of power and fire wood shortage at these places, he said.