New Delhi I May 15, 25 , In a landmark stride towards energy equity and environmental stewardship, Lt. Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the Piped Natural Gas (PNG) supply by Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) to another 111 villages today, taking the total number of Delhi villages connected by PNG to 241. Chief Minister of Delhi Rekha Gupta was Guest of Honour on the occasion, which was attended by Ministers, Members of Parliament and senior officials of Govt. of NCT of Delhi and IGL among others.
Addressing the gathering, Vinay Saxena said, “Today’s launch of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) supply to 111 villages of Delhi by IGL is not merely a technical project, but a solid foundation for a cleaner and brighter future. This initiative not only connects rural areas with clean, safe, and affordable energy, but also marks a significant step towards making Delhi an environmentally friendly and sustainable capital. This work resonates with the spirit of the ‘Delhi Gramoday Abhiyan’, which aims to equip villages with urban-level infrastructure and ensure holistic and balanced development”.
He further added that we all have collectively envisioned a future where Delhi is free from polluted air and embraces an era of clean and sustainable energy — and today is a major milestone in realizing that vision. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the IGL team for their relentless efforts, use of modern technology, and their commitment to public welfare. He reiterated the support of Delhi Government to support and promote all such efforts under the ‘Delhi Gramoday Abhiyan’ that aim to make citizens’ lives simpler, safer, and cleaner.
Calling it “A Flame Of Trust,” Rekha Gupta described the launch as a beacon of clean energy reaching the heart of rural Delhi. “This is not merely the inauguration of a facility, but the ignition of a new era — one that brings security, dignity, and sustainable growth into every household,” she declared.
The initiative marks the second phase of IGL’s mission to connect all of Delhi’s villages with a reliable and eco-friendly fuel source. With 130 villages already covered in Phase I, and 111 villages joining today, the Chief Minister pledged to connect the remaining 116 villages by year-end, ensuring citywide access to piped gas infrastructure.
Highlighting the broader vision behind the initiative, Rekha Gupta emphasized that this development isn’t just technical — it’s transformational. “From clean kitchens to cleaner air, this pipeline fuels more than just stoves — it fuels hope, health, and progress,” she said.
The event also spotlighted the modernization of the Mahipalpur CNG station, a move aimed at enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency. “Our approach isn’t piecemeal,” said the Chief Minister. “It’s holistic, strategic, and focused on tomorrow.”
With over 13,000 km of gas pipelines now crisscrossing the capital, Delhi is witnessing a silent revolution — one that is cleaner, greener, and grounded in the everyday lives of its citizens.
“This flame,” Rekha Gupta concluded, “is not just in our kitchens; it’s in our spirit, our aspirations, and our resolve to build a smart, sustainable Delhi.”
Saxena and Gupta also interacted virtually with PNG users across four villages of Delhi apart from handing over PNG connections to 10 users physically on the occasion.
In his welcome address, Kamal Kishore Chatiwal, Managing Director of IGL, delivered a compelling keynote that reframed the national clean energy dialogue.
“While the global spotlight rightly shines on electric vehicles (EVs), it’s imperative we acknowledge the pragmatic and complementary role of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG),” Chatiwal stated. “CNG remains one of the cleanest, most cost-effective, and immediately deployable alternatives to conventional fuels.”
He emphasized CNG’s unmatched viability in key segments such as public transport, intracity logistics, and long-distance mobility — areas where affordability, performance consistency, and existing infrastructure still present barriers to full EV adoption.
“EVs symbolize the future, but CNG is the bridge that will carry us there — especially in a country as diverse and dynamic as India,” he remarked.
Beyond the energy narrative, the PNG expansion holds profound social and environmental impact. By extending cleaner cooking and heating options to rural households, the initiative is set to transform day-to-day life — promoting better health, enhancing energy security, and fuelling economic upliftment at the grassroots level.
Gracing the occasion, Mr. Mohit Bhatia, Director (Commercial), delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks to the dignitaries and citizens of Delhi, acknowledging the collective effort that turned this ambitious vision into a reality. “This is more than just an inauguration; it’s a celebration of commitment, collaboration, and clean energy for all,” said Mr. Bhatia. “We stand here today, humbled and honoured, as over 72,000 families begin to experience the safety, reliability, and eco-benefits of PNG.”
In a special tribute, Bhatia reiterated IGL’s commitment to India’s energy goals. “Achieving a 15% share of Natural Gas in India’s energy mix by 2030 is a national challenge we proudly embrace. Today’s milestone proves that change is not just coming — it’s already underway.”
