Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, March 4: The Congress government in Karnataka has announced plans to provide piped gas connections to more than 60 lakh households across the state by 2030. The announcement was made by Large and Medium Industries Minister M B Patil on Tuesday in the Legislative Council.

Minister Patil explained that delays in connecting households were caused by discrepancies in rates set by various local administrative bodies. "The delay in providing gas connections was due to varying rates set by different local authorities. Now that this issue has been resolved, piped gas will be provided to over 60 lakh remaining households by 2030," Patil said.

This statement came in response to a question raised by BJP MLC D.S. Arun during the Legislative Council session.

The minister outlined that, according to the city gas supply policy followed in several states, the installation price of gas pipelines has been fixed at one rupee per metre. Patil also mentioned that the central government had written to the state, praising the success of similar initiatives in states like Uttar Pradesh.

At the time, the previous BJP government, led by former CM Basavaraj Bommai, had accepted the policy after considering the public interest and environmental benefits. As part of the plan, the state aims to connect a total of 66.25 lakh households and establish 1,022 CNG refuelling centres.

The project, which began in 2015, was initially managed by the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) in Bengaluru. By 2023, 4.07 lakh households had been connected, and 320 CNG stations were established. After observing slow progress, a new policy was introduced, leading to an additional 1.01 lakh households being connected, and 154 more CNG stations being set up. To speed up the implementation, coordination meetings with local urban bodies have been initiated, Patil added.

As of now, 5.10 lakh households have received gas connections, and 474 CNG stations are operational. The minister assured that the remaining targets will be achieved within the next five years, with approvals from local bodies and public works departments granted in July 2024.

Patil clarified that, in line with the central government’s directive, the meter price has been set at one rupee. The profits generated from this pricing must be passed on to consumers over time by the gas supply companies, as stipulated in the new policy.