West Bengal – In a significant step towards expanding the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in India, the Hon’ble Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the CGD project in Bankura and Purulia districts of West Bengal on 18th July, 2025.
Bankura & Purulia CGD project in West Bengal, with total cost of Rs. 1,950 Crore aims to provide 5,55,999 households Piped Natural Gas (PNG) Connections, 250+ commercial and 35+ industrial customers as well as establish 29 CNG Stations for Vehicular fuel across Geographical Areas in line with MWP (Minimum Work Program ) target as per authorisation by PNGRB.
Bankura & Purulia CGD Project is scheduled to be completed by 15th March, 2030. The project’s key objectives include providing PNG connections to households, commercial, and industrial customers, establishing CNG stations for vehicular fuel, and laying steel pipelines to build a robust gas distribution infrastructure.
Speaking on the launch, Shri Sanjay Khanna, Director (Refineries) with Additional Charge of Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL, said, “This project marks a major step forward in our mission to make clean and affordable energy accessible to every corner of India. With the Hon’ble Prime Minister laying the foundation stone today, we are proud to begin this transformative journey in Bankura and Purulia — empowering lives, driving economic development, and contributing to India’s vision of energy independence and environmental stewardship.”
Impact of the Project:
The project is expected to have a significant impact on the environment, employment, and the community. It aligns with India’s net-zero emission goals, promoting natural gas as a cleaner alternative to conventional fuels by reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 27%, amounting to a total reduction of 191 TMT over a 25-year period. This is equivalent to planting 3.46 Lakh trees per year and 86.8 lakh trees over the project period of 25 years.
The project is also expected to create over 15 lakh man-days of direct and indirect employment, boosting local economic growth in Bankura & Purulia districts. Once fully operational, over 65 lakh population in these districts will enjoy a convenient, reliable, environment-friendly, and cost-effective fuel supply.
By providing a robust and efficient gas distribution infrastructure, this CGD project sets the stage for sustainable development and a cleaner environment in these districts.
