Siliguri Steps into the PNG Era: 3,000 Homes to Go Pipe-First

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) is set to roll out piped natural gas (PNG) connections in the Siliguri subdivision by March 2026, with nearly 3,000 households to be covered in the first phase.

The rollout will begin in Bagdogra and subsequently extend to Shivmandir and Atharokhai in the northwestern part of the city. HPCL has already developed infrastructure to provide around 2,500 domestic PNG connections in the outskirts of Jalpaiguri, including Patkata Colony, and plans to further expand coverage to nearby panchayats.

Alongside domestic gas supply, the company will also introduce compressed natural gas (CNG) facilities for vehicles across Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and North Dinajpur districts. HPCL is investing approximately ₹1,700 crore to build natural gas infrastructure in the region, a move expected to lower emissions and contribute to environmental sustainability.

The pipeline network is currently under development, with about 50 km of pipelines planned. Pipeline laying work in civic areas has already been completed to ensure the timely provision of household gas connections.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.