National Gas Grid

The Union Government has envisaged (in February, 2019) the development of the National Gas Grid. As on 31 March 2021, 19,998 km of natural gas pipelines are operational and 15,369 km are under various stages of construction.

Objectives

• The main objectives of National Gas Grid are -
• To remove regional imbalance within the country with regard to access of natural gas and provide clean and green fuel throughout the country.
• To connect gas sources to major demand centres and ensure availability of gas to consumers
• Development of City Gas Distribution Networks in various cities for supply of CNG and PNG.

Need

• An interconnected National Gas Grid ensures the adequate availability and equitable distribution of natural gas in all parts of the country.
• Gas Pipeline infrastructure is the most economically feasible and safe mode of transporting the natural gas by connecting gas sources to gas consuming markets.
• Gas pipeline practically determines the structure of the gas market and its development.

Significance: The National Gas Grid will provide better infrastructure for automobiles using gas. The National Gas Grid will also aid in renewing of the fertilizer sector and also give a boost to the Power and Automotive sectors.