During the launching, IGL authorities announced plans for spreading the network of compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG) in the entire city. In turn, Prasada stated that IGL has laid a special 20 km pipeline for this project, and that there are plans to lay a 50 km pipeline by March 2011 and a 40 km additional pipeline by March 2012, so that Ghaziabad receives CNG for transport sector and PNG for households and industrial use.
With this opening, there are three CNG stations already operational in the city, one being the IGL mother station in Vaishali and two being daughter stations at OMC retail outlets. In addition, 8 more facilities have been commissioned as daughter stations by OMC. These are expected to become operational gradually by September 2010.
Another project is being carried out at Sanjay Nagar CNG station, currently under construction and allotted to IGL. It is estimated that by March 2011 a total of 22 dispensers become operational in various areas of Ghaziabad in order to guarantee local supplying.
Meanwhile, IGL had planned opening 61 refuelling stations in the Indian capital, considering the upcoming Commonwealth Games. While 16 have been made already operational, the company is awaiting government permission for the rest. With the 45 new CNG stations, the total number of filling points will increase to 241 in New Delhi.
“We have no doubt to get approvals, as authorities themselves are concerned about preparations (for the Commonwealth Games),” said IGL gas managing director Rajesh Vedvyas. The company aims to expand the number of CNG stations to 280 by March, 2011.
