Bhubaneswar: The state of Odisha has successfully provided over 190,000 domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections as part of its growing City Gas Distribution (CGD) network, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi, announced in the Rajya Sabha on Monday.
Responding to a query from BJD Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra, Gopi explained that the development of PNG connections, along with 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 covered under 12 Geographical Areas (GAs) authorized by the PNGRB for the establishment of CGD infrastructure across all districts. As of May 31, 2026, these authorized CGD entities have delivered 190,551 domestic PNG connections, set up 159 CNG stations, and laid down a pipeline network spanning 9,040 inch-km throughout the state.
This progress aligns with the Minimum Work Programme (MWP) goals set for June 2033, which aim to provide a total of 909,582 domestic PNG connections, establish 247 CNG stations, and develop 14,320 inch-km of pipeline infrastructure.
Data by district reveals that Khordha is the frontrunner in Odisha for domestic PNG connections, boasting 76,911 households connected, followed by Kataka with 37,996 connections.
Sundaragada has recorded 15,825 PNG connections, while Baragada and Jagatsinghpur have reported 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 noted 257 PNG connections, and Balangir has documented 38 connections. Additionally, several districts, such as Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Kendrapada, Kendujhar, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Boudh, Gajapati, Kandhamala, Subarnapur, Kalahandi, Nuapada, and Rayagada, are at various stages of developing their PNG networks.
The CGD network in Odisha has experienced significant growth over the past five years, with the number of domestic PNG connections surging from 60,596 in March 2022 to 184,997 in March 2026.
During this timeframe, CNG stations expanded from 34 to 159, while the pipeline infrastructure grew from 2,990 inch-km to 8,821 inch-km.
In terms of major infrastructure achievements, Khordha district currently has 24 operational CNG stations and 1,734 inch-km of pipeline, while Kataka has 14 CNG stations and 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 following the approved project plans and timelines set by the PNGRB.
