PANAJI
In a major move aimed at strengthening the State's energy infrastructure and reducing delays in pipeline projects, the Directorate of Civil Supplies has issued order to streamline approvals for laying natural gas and petroleum product pipelines while introducing a deemed approval mechanism if authorities fail to decide applications within the prescribed timeframe.
The Directorate has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026, which also speaks about Right of Ways and Right of Use.
The order has been issued in view of delays caused by multiple approvals, high fees and charges, and denial of access to land, housing areas and residential premises for pipeline projects. It also cites concerns over continued dependence on LPG despite the availability of natural gas infrastructure and the need for fuel diversification amid disruptions in global LNG supplies caused by damage to liquefaction facilities in the Gulf region and the continued blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.
Under the order, all public entities, resident welfare associations, landowners and individuals controlling access to land or rights of way will be required to comply with its provisions for pipeline and related infrastructure projects undertaken by authorised entities.
Public authorities have been directed to grant right of way, right of use or other necessary permissions for laying, operating and expanding underground and overground pipelines and associated facilities. Applications must be accompanied by a one-time fee of Rs 1,000 per kilometre.
The notification prescribes time limits for disposal of applications ranging from 15 to 60 working days depending on the nature and length of the project. Applications for pipelines exceeding 10 kilometres must be decided within 60 working days, while shorter pipeline projects have a 30-day limit. Applications for associated facilities are to be decided within 15 working days.
Significantly, the order provides that if the competent public entity fails to communicate its decision within the specified period, the permission shall be deemed to have been granted, preventing projects from being held up indefinitely.
The order also prescribes uniform charges for right of way, restoration of roads on a dig-and-pay basis, performance bank guarantees and compensation payable to non-public entities. Restoration charges have been fixed at Rs 5,000 per running metre for concrete roads and Rs 3,500 per running metre for bituminous roads, while compensation for private land has been linked to 30 per cent of the applicable circle rate.
The government said the framework is intended to ensure timely development of gas distribution infrastructure, improve energy security and facilitate easier access to cleaner fuels across Goa.
