Udupi: Udupi MP Kota Srinivas Poojary has directed officials and gas companies to expedite the ongoing pipeline works for providing piped natural gas (PNG) connections to households in Udupi city and ensure gas supply to residents at the earliest.
Chairing a progress review meeting at the district collector’s office hall in Manipal on Tuesday, the MP expressed concern over the prolonged delay in implementing the domestic gas pipeline project, which has been under execution for nearly a decade.
He instructed authorities and gas agencies to complete the remaining pipeline work by June and begin supplying PNG connections to households without further delay.
PNG project pending for nearly 10 years
During the meeting, the MP noted that residents have been waiting for the completion of the PNG network for several years despite repeated assurances regarding early implementation.
Officials informed the meeting that around 35,000 households within the municipal limits are expected to benefit from the PNG project once fully operational. At present, pipeline connectivity infrastructure is reportedly ready for nearly 1,500 houses.
The project aims to provide households with direct piped gas supply for domestic cooking purposes, eliminating the need for conventional LPG cylinders and improving convenience for consumers.
The MP stressed the importance of accelerating the final stages of the project so that the public can start receiving the long-promised service.
Awareness campaign for PNG applications
To improve public participation and streamline the application process, Kota Srinivas Poojary instructed representatives of gas companies to conduct awareness programmes regarding online applications for PNG connections.
He suggested using banners, pamphlets and social media campaigns to educate residents about the registration process and benefits of PNG connections.
Officials said many residents are still unaware of the application procedures and documentation requirements needed to obtain domestic gas connectivity.
The MP stated that public awareness is essential to ensure the project achieves wider coverage once the supply network becomes operational.
Concern over long queues at CNG stations
The meeting also focused on the growing shortage of compressed natural gas (CNG) supply in the district, particularly the long queues witnessed at fuel stations.
The MP highlighted the difficulties faced by auto-rickshaw drivers and other vehicle owners who depend on CNG for daily operations. He pointed out that drivers are often forced to wait for several hours at filling stations due to inadequate supply.
To ease the shortage, he proposed deploying four additional jumbo vehicles for transporting CNG to the district.
Representatives from GAIL informed the meeting that pipeline installation work up to the ATGL terminal at Panambur is expected to be completed by the end of this month.
They added that once the work is completed, an application will be submitted to PESSO seeking approval for charging the line. After obtaining approval and completing necessary preparations by ATGL, gas supply operations can begin.
Additional CNG stations proposed
The MP stated that the district currently has 11 CNG distribution units in operation. He further informed that proposals have already been submitted for establishing additional CNG stations in the Muniyalu and Ermalu regions.
CNG distributors attending the meeting stated that the existing fleet of 17 trucks is insufficient to meet increasing demand, especially due to the rise in public programmes, events and functions in the district.
Responding to the issue, the MP instructed the Adani Group and GAIL to coordinate and arrange 10 additional CNG loads for Udupi district.
He also directed authorities to strictly follow FIFO (First-In, First-Out) norms during fuel loading operations to ensure fair and systematic distribution.
Delay in reimbursement raised
The MP additionally addressed complaints regarding delays in reimbursement of Mescom electricity bills to CNG distributors.
Distributors alleged that the Adani Group has been delaying reimbursements by three to four months, affecting operational efficiency and financial management.
The MP instructed the company to take immediate corrective measures and resolve the issue without further delay.
District Collector Swaroopa T K also raised concerns regarding a shortage of technicians available to handle emergencies at gas units. She advised gas companies to appoint additional CNG operators to improve response efficiency and ensure uninterrupted operations.
Deputy Director of the Food and Civil Supplies Department Ravindra, officials from Adani and GAIL, owners of CNG distribution units and other stakeholders were present during the review meeting.