Mumbai, The Maharashtra government has ordered fast-tracking the expansion of the City Gas Distribution network across the state in line with instructions from the Centre amid concerns over global energy supply disruptions.
City Gas Distribution networks are an interconnected system of underground natural gas pipelines for supplying Piped Natural Gas and Compressed Natural Gas to domestic and industrial customers.
According to a Government Resolution issued by the Urban Development Department on March 27, the move follows communication from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, which flagged that ongoing global geopolitical developments have disrupted energy supply chains, affecting petroleum product availability and limiting LPG supplies.
To address the situation, the Centre has directed a rapid expansion of Piped Natural Gas connections and urged states to implement short-term measures on a priority basis.
In response, the state government has decided to accelerate City Gas Distribution infrastructure development and simplify approval processes.
The order mentioned that pending permissions from municipal corporations, councils, public works and other authorities for laying CGD pipelines will be treated as “deemed approved”.
New permissions for CGD work will be granted within 24 hours by local bodies, it stated.
The order stated that charges levied by state and local authorities for road restoration and various permissions have been waived. CGD companies will be allowed to restore public property at their own cost, subject to quality assurance guarantees.
Where self-restoration is not feasible, companies will pay charges as per the Central notification dated March 24, 2026.
CGD companies will be permitted to work round-the-clock, and restrictions on working seasons have been relaxed.
NOCs from fire and traffic departments will not be required for pipeline laying, excavation and restoration work. However, companies must share daily work plans with the authorities.
The government has also appointed the Controller of Rationing and the Director of Civil Supplies as the nodal officers for coordination among departments to support CGD expansion.
The order will remain in force till June 30, 2026, and all concerned departments have been directed to ensure immediate implementation, the GR said.
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