Mangaluru: The foundation stone for the innovative ‘City Gas’ project of the central government was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on Thursday, November 22.

The project has been planned to be implemented in 129 districts of the country including the city of Mangaluru. The stone laying programme was telecasted simultaneously in all the districts, which are covered under the scheme.

Delivering his speech, the PM said, City Gas Distribution is an important start for India for its future growth in utilizing the natural resources. When it completes our country will change entirely in this sector. 70 % of people will get benefit of this project. This is a major step towards providing advanced facilities to the citizens. 25 lakh households had facility to direct gas connection in 2014. But last four years it has multiplied. In this short term government, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory board made many achievements with its new projects. A major development happened in CNG industry.”

“City Gas Distribution Project has two objectives: First, to distribute Piped Natural Gas to domestic, commercial and industrial users; Second, to supply Compressed Natural Gas for vehicles. Through PNG, GAIL intends to replace LPG cylinders which are mostly used for domestic and commercial consumption. Cylinders will be replaced by natural gas through direct pipe connection to households. Houses will be fitted with smart meters and the consumer has to pay the bill based on the quantity consumed,” he said.

“CNG will be stored in the CNG stations that are to be setup in different locations, to be supplied to vehicles that ply using CNG. With the implementation of City Gas Distribution (CGD) Project, many districts will follow the footsteps of Delhi and Mumbai where the project has already been rolled out,” he added.

“I congratulate the Petroleum ministry and bidders, for a good start on CGD project and thank citizens to their cooperation on developmental projects,” said Mr Modi.

In connection to the stone laying occasion, a separate programme was organized in this connection in the Town Hall of the city. Central minister Sadananda Gowda, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLAs Vedavyas Kamath and mayor of MCC Bhaskar K were the chief guests.

Union minister D V Sadananda Gowda addressed the gathering and said, “Strong economy and a visionary leadership can convert a country to a developed and achievable nation. Since last four years under the leadership of Narendra Modi, our country made many achievements which were appreciated globally. Hundreds of people friendly projects are implemented by his government. The City Gas Distribution is one of its kind and it is very essential to the development of households. For our district, GAIL is the charge of this project. By this government is planning to distribute gas in very cheap rate and control the pollution. The project emphasizes on nature friendly development. By implementing this project a revolution will happen in our country.”

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel spoke on the occasion and said, “After becoming Prime Minister, India’s visionary leader Narendra Modi granted many projects to Mangaluru city and Dakshina Kannada district. Roads, flyovers, tinkering labs, railway, smart city projects and many more approved by his tenure. By his four years administration Mangaluru city got a new look and suddenly accepted the development. CGD project is one of the major gifts to the city by central government. By this the city will convert as an eco-friendly city soon. Gas will avail cheaper and it will help both households and taxi owners.”

Under the CGD project of Dakshina Kannada district will supply Compressed Natural Gas for transport sector, piped natural gas for households, industrial and commercial Units. The project will cover 4861 sq kms area in the district and will include 5 charge areas including Bantwal, Beltangady, Mangaluru, Puttur and Sullia.

The total capital investment for the project is Rs 1,972 crores for initial 25 years. The district will have 100 CNG stations and approximately 3,50,000 households connected with piped natural gas. The GCD will benefit a population of 20 lakh. The project will also incorporate hotels and restaurants. The main source pipeline for the CGD project will be GAIL’s Kochi – Koottanad- Bengaluru- Mangaluru Pipeline project (KKBMPL) pipeline.