Maharashtra Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection, Chhagan Bhujbal, has called for technical and financial assistance from the Centre to accelerate the growth of the Piped Natural Gas (PNG) network in the state. Bhujbal emphasized the importance of making PNG connections mandatory in new housing projects to enhance adoption rates and proposed targeted campaigns to extend connections to older residential areas. He highlighted the benefits of expanding PNG usage in hotels, restaurants, and small-scale industries to reduce costs and promote cleaner fuel alternatives.
Bhujbal also stressed the need for simplifying licensing and connection procedures, mentioning that Maharashtra has already streamlined permission processes and standardized rates to support City Gas Distribution (CGD) projects. He requested special financial and infrastructural backing for cities in the state to enhance project feasibility. Additionally, Bhujbal urged central agencies to ensure efficient and timely approvals for pipeline expansion and suggested increasing the LPG quota for commercial use to meet the growing demand.
The minister disclosed that the Maharashtra government is actively working towards promoting clean fuel and expects consistent cooperation from the Central Government to achieve set objectives within the stipulated timeframe. He outlined recent measures taken to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles, including issuing a Government Resolution (GR) with a series of directives to expedite CGD pipeline projects.
To facilitate the process, pending permissions for laying CGD pipelines from municipal corporations, PWD, and Water Resources Departments will now be considered ‘deemed approved.’ Local bodies are instructed to grant new CGD permissions within 24 hours, and charges for road restoration and permits by local self-government bodies will be waived to encourage expansion. Companies will have the option to restore public property at their expense with quality guarantees or adhere to fees as per the central notification dated March 24, 2026.
According to Bhujbal, CGD companies will be permitted to operate round the clock with relaxed seasonal restrictions, eliminating the need for separate NOCs from Chief Fire Officers or Traffic Police for pipeline laying. Companies will only need to submit a daily work schedule to the relevant departments. To ensure coordination, the Controller of Rationing and Director of Civil Supplies have been appointed as the nodal officers for Maharashtra, with these special measures effective until June 30 this year.
