Bhubaneswar: The first CNG station in the state was inaugurated by Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan here Saturday.
Two CNG stations, one each at Chandrasekharpur and Patia, were inaugurated by Pradhan while two more stations are being constructed in Khandagiri and Tamando in the city.
The Union minister also inaugurated CNG-run scooters in the Capital city, marking another significant development in the spread of the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga in Orissa.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union minister said during the coming years, 25 CNG stations would be commissioned in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to supply CNG to vehicles.
Pradhan said, “The use of CNG instead of petrol and diesel in two wheelers one can save up to 30 to 40 per cent of his oil expenses per month.”
While many cities of India are suffering due to pollution, CNG will be a smart fuel for smart city like Bhubaneswar, he remarked.
Pradhan said that Rs 5,000 crore would be invested for pipeline project out of which Rs 2,000 crore is estimated to be invested for development of human resources. In first phase, Rs 1,700 crore would be invested for Compressed Gas Distribution (CGD) 100-100 km pipeline in Cuttack-Bhubaneswar.
With the construction and maintenance of these pipelines, it will create huge employment for the local youths and it will help in boosting Orissa’s economy, he said.
Among others, GAIL Director (Projects) Asutosh Karnataka, ED (Eastern Region) KB Singh, PNGRB members Satpal Garg and S K Rath and seniors officers of OMCs were present on the occasion.
GAIL sources said, initially natural gas will reach Bhubaneswar in special containers called “cascades” which will be transported by road from Vijaywada in Andhra Pradesh.
Later, Natural Gas will be supplied through the 2,655 km long Jagdishpur-Haldia and Bokaro- Dhamra Natural Gas Pipeline (JHBDPL), popularly known as the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga.
UNI
