Bhubaneswar: The state Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Odisha City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy to accelerate the expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure in line with the national push for cleaner and sustainable energy.
The policy seeks to address longstanding bottlenecks such as multi-agency approvals and the absence of a unified regulatory framework. By streamlining processes and improving inter-departmental coordination, the government aims to ensure faster rollout and timely implementation of CGD projects.
The policy lays down a clear roadmap to establish a robust ecosystem for PNG and CNG infrastructure, while promoting the adoption of cleaner fuels among households, industries, and transport sectors. It also emphasizes maintaining safe and reliable gas supply through structured asset management systems.
In a convergence-driven approach, the policy enables coordination for compressed biogas (CBG) plant development under the Swachh Bharat Mission, further strengthening Odisha’s clean energy ambitions.
The Housing & Urban Development Department will serve as the nodal agency for implementation. A State-level High-Powered Committee and District Monitoring Committees will oversee execution and ensure adherence to timelines.
Officials said the policy is designed to impose no financial burden on the state exchequer, while creating a conducive environment for private sector participation. It is expected to attract significant investments, generate employment opportunities, and improve ease of doing business in the state.
To incentivize early adoption, the government has proposed a one-time moratorium on approval fees for CGD projects until March 2027.
The initiative marks a major step towards enhancing energy security, promoting environmental sustainability, and improving the overall quality of life for citizens in Odisha.
