Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has notified the Odisha City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy, 2026 to accelerate the expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure across the state.
Issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department, the policy aims to promote natural gas as a cleaner and environment-friendly fuel for domestic, commercial, industrial and transport sectors in line with India’s clean energy transition goals.
According to the policy framework, five authorised CGD entities will cover all 30 districts of Odisha. The state plans to facilitate nearly nine lakh domestic PNG connections and establish 271 CNG stations under a committed investment programme estimated at around ₹5,100 crore.
The Housing and Urban Development Department has been designated as the nodal agency for implementation. A State-Level Apex Committee headed by the Chief Secretary and district-level monitoring committees under Collectors will oversee project coordination, approvals and implementation.
The policy introduces a range of measures to support faster rollout of infrastructure, including single-window clearances, standardised permission charges, GIS-based underground utility mapping and priority land allotment for CNG stations and City Gate Stations.
It also mandates the inclusion of PNG pipeline provisions in building plans and urban master plans to support long-term urban infrastructure planning.
To encourage rapid expansion of the network, the state government has waived pipeline laying permission and supervision charges until March 31, 2027.
The policy further emphasises safety standards, emergency response systems and uninterrupted supply of PNG and CNG services. It also promotes compressed biogas (CBG) initiatives in collaboration with urban local bodies.
Officials said the policy is expected to strengthen Odisha’s clean energy ecosystem, improve urban infrastructure, reduce pollution and generate employment and investment opportunities across the state.
