Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Inaugurates Key City Gas Distribution Milestones
Guwahati, May 10 – Assam's capital city Guwahati entered a new era of clean energy on Saturday with the launch of its first piped cooking gas connections. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the initial phase, benefiting 101 households, and marked it as a pivotal step towards sustainable energy infrastructure in the state.The initiative is part of a broader City Gas Distribution (CGD) project led by Purba Bharati Gas Pvt Ltd (PBGPL)—a joint venture between Assam Gas Company Ltd (AGCL), Oil India Ltd (OIL), and GAIL Gas Ltd. PBGPL has been authorised to roll out the project across Kamrup (Metropolitan), Kamrup, Cachar, Hailakandi, and Sribhumi districts.
Expansion Plans and Early Success
Speaking at the inauguration, CM Sarma lauded the project's rapid progress. "Today, we are providing connections to 101 families. With infrastructure in place, network expansion will be swift. I urge Guwahati residents to adopt piped cooking gas as a safer and more economical alternative," he said.He also noted that 30,000 households have already registered for piped gas, with over 6,000 families having last-mile connectivity in place. Sarma emphasized the potential for wider adoption and said the formation of the National Gas Grid ensures there will be no natural gas shortages.
CNG Infrastructure Reaches Barak Valley
In a significant parallel development, the first CNG station in Barak Valley was inaugurated at Silchar. The chief minister called this a landmark achievement and confirmed that similar stations will soon come up in Hailakandi and Sribhumi, expanding clean fuel access in southern Assam.Currently, Assam has 23 operational CNG stations, and Sarma highlighted the need to scale this number up to meet growing demand.
Piped Gas Coming to More Areas Around Guwahati
The chief minister also flagged off preliminary work for piped gas infrastructure in Baihata Chariali, Hajo, Sualkuchi, and Rangiya—suburban areas surrounding Guwahati in the Kamrup district.He linked this expansion with the upcoming ring road project and new bridges over the Brahmaputra, which are expected to significantly reduce travel time and enhance connectivity between these towns and the city. "This infrastructure boost will fuel Guwahati’s growth further," Sarma stated.
The government’s push for piped gas and CNG reflects Assam's commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, with Guwahati setting the pace for the rest of the state.
