Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone for ambitious City Gas Distribution (CGD) projects in West Bengal’s Alipurduar and Coochbehar districts, marking a major milestone in the region’s clean energy transition.
With an investment exceeding Rs 1000 crore, the projects will provide Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to over 2.5 lakh households and more than 100 commercial and industrial establishments. In addition, at least 19 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations will be established to fuel vehicular traffic, sourcing gas from tap-off points at Ambari and Ghoksadanga in Coochbehar.
Scheduled for completion by September 2030, the infrastructure involves laying steel and MDPE pipelines to ensure seamless gas distribution. The projects are aligned with India’s net-zero emission targets, expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 27%, equivalent to planting around 50 lakh trees over 25 years.
The initiative will generate over 22 lakh man-days of direct and indirect employment, significantly boosting the local economy. Once operational, the projects will serve approximately 42 lakh residents with a reliable, cost-effective, and environment-friendly energy supply, driving sustainable growth in these districts. This development underscores the government’s commitment to expanding clean energy access while creating employment opportunities.
