Bhubaneswar: More than 1.90 lakh domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections have been established throughout Odisha, contributing to the state’s growing City Gas Distribution (CGD) network, according to Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi’s statement to the Rajya Sabha on Monday.
In response to a query from BJD Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra, Gopi outlined that the development of PNG connections, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations, and pipeline infrastructure is being executed by organizations authorized by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).
Odisha is encompassed by 12 Geographical Areas (GAs) sanctioned by the PNGRB for the establishment of CGD infrastructure across all districts. As of May 31, 2026, CGD entities have successfully provided 1,90,551 domestic PNG connections, constructed 159 CNG stations, and laid down 9,040 inch-km of pipeline network within the state.
This progress aligns with the Minimum Work Programme (MWP) benchmarks set for June 2033, which target the provision of 9,09,582 domestic PNG connections, the establishment of 247 CNG stations, and the expansion of pipeline infrastructure to 14,320 inch-km.
Analyzing the data by district, Khordha stands out as the top district in Odisha for domestic PNG connections, with a total of 76,911 households connected, while Kataka follows with 37,996 connections.
Sundaragada has reported 15,825 PNG connections, Baragada and Jagatsinghpur have 11,292 and 11,236 connections, respectively. Other districts include Sambalpur with 8,867 connections, Puri with 8,163, Dhenkanal with 7,885, Jharsuguda with 5,235, Jajpur with 2,220, and Anugola with 1,166 connections.
Ganjam has recorded 257 PNG connections, whereas Balangir has reported merely 38. Additionally, several districts, including Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Kendrapada, Kendujhar, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Boudh, Gajapati, Kandhamala, Subarnapur, Kalahandi, Nuapada, and Rayagada, are at different stages of PNG network development.
The CGD network in Odisha has experienced rapid advancement over the past five years, with domestic PNG connections increasing from 60,596 in March 2022 to 1,84,997 by March 2026.
In the same timeframe, the number of CNG stations rose from 34 to 159, and the pipeline infrastructure expanded from 2,990 inch-km to 8,821 inch-km.
Notably, Khordha district currently has 24 operational CNG stations and a pipeline network spanning 1,734 inch-km, while Kataka has 14 CNG stations along with 945 inch-km of pipeline infrastructure.
The expansion of the CGD network is being carried out by authorized companies, including Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), GAIL Gas Limited, Adani Total Gas Limited, GAIL India Limited, and Megha City Gas Distribution Private Limited.
The Ministry confirmed that the rollout of CGD infrastructure is proceeding according to the approved project plans and timelines established by the PNGRB.
