Bongaigaon: Assam will go greener with more sustainable fuel by 2025, as Adani Gas is set to commission six compressed natural gas (CNG) stations in March this year, covering the Barpeta, Chirang, Nalbari, Kokrajhar, and Bongaigaon districts, with piped-natural gas (PNG) connections to homes also a top priority.
"Twelve CNG stations have been established so far and Sundari and Samthaibari in Chirang district, are set to commence their operations," an Adani official disclosed to Business North East. He said this would enable vehicles to switch to CNG, a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional fuel.
Adani Total Gas Limited, which is one of the leading city gas distribution (CGD) companies in India, is also set to develop a PNG-CNG station at Bandhavguri in the Chirang district near Bongaigaon.
An Adani Group official speaking to Business North East during the 'bhumi pujan' ritual for the Chirang station stated, "This project aims to supply PNG and CNG throughout Assam, marking the construction of Central Gas Supply System (CGS). In the initial phase, a network of pipelines spanning from Amguri to Bongaigaon, covering the Chirang District, will be laid, covering a distance of 800 meters to 12 kilometers."
The project is slated for completion within a year, according to the official. However, exact dates were not mentioned.
The gas pipeline infrastructure will be jointly operated by the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) and the Adani Group. Officials estimate construction costs to be around Rs 5 crore and believe the project would generate employment for 500–2,000 people during the construction phase in each station.
The service station is strategically positioned to connect gas to households through pipelines in six districts of southern Assam, namely Bongaigaon, Chirang, Barpeta, Bajali, Nalbari, and Tamulpur. The selected geographical areas span across Nagaon, Morigaon, Hojai, Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Kokrajhar, Dhubri, South Salmara-Mankachar, Goalpara, Baksa, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Chirang, Nalbari, and Bajali districts. Five hundred households will benefit from the PNG connections in the first phase, Business North East has learned.
Adani officials disclosed that pre-paid gas connections would be facilitated through municipalities initially, with plans to extend services to rural areas shortly. Additionally, the PNG connections are expected to be more cost-effective than traditional LPG cylinders.
Officials said that vendors will be placed in certain areas to promote and facilitate PNG connections, backed by "awareness campaigns and a portal for registration."
The commissioning of PNG and CNG stations for Guwahati in the Kamrup (Metropolitan) district is still some ways off. So far, only two CNG stations have been set up in the city: one in Betkuchi near ISBT and one in the Garchuk area.
ALSO READ: MD envisions 'Navratna' future for the NRL
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
