Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to clean energy infrastructure, the Odisha Housing & Urban Development Department has issued a comprehensive order simplifying and expediting approval processes for City Gas Distribution projects. .
The directive has been issued by Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee, who also serves as Chairperson of IDCO, reinforcing the state government’s push toward a gas-based economy and wider access to piped natural gas (PNG) as a cleaner, more efficient fuel in urban areas.
Under the new order, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have been directed to waive permission fees for laying underground pipelines and other CGD infrastructure. Importantly, no fresh approvals will be needed for works that are already underway or have received prior sanctions, eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and ensuring uninterrupted project execution.
To further accelerate progress, the government has mandated time-bound processing of all CGD applications by the authorities concerned. Restrictions on road-cutting during specified periods have also been relaxed specifically for these projects, minimising delays while keeping implementation on track.
While facilitating ease of execution, the order also ensures accountability. CGD entities will bear the full cost of restoring roads and other public infrastructure to prescribed standards after completion of works.
The Director of Municipal Administration has been appointed as the nodal officer responsible for coordinating and monitoring CGD activities statewide. All relevant departments, including Works, Water Resources, Energy, and Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water, have been directed to provide full cooperation for smooth on-ground execution.
These simplified measures will remain in effect until June 30, 2026, or until further orders are issued.
Officials expect the initiative to significantly speed up the rollout of PNG connections in cities and towns, promote the adoption of cleaner fuels, and support Odisha’s broader goals of sustainable urban development and energy efficiency.
