PANAJI
The rollout of City Gas Distribution (CGD) in Goa has slowed significantly due to prolonged approval delays, with nearly 16 km of proposed pipeline work and network expansion plans remaining stuck for over a year, hampering the spread of piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure across key urban centres.
Goa Natural Gas Pvt Ltd (GNGPL) has been awaiting permission to dig and lay approximately 16 kms of pipelines in major parts of Tiswadi, including Panaji and Taleigao, as well as pockets of Ponda. The delay has also stalled the company’s plans to expand its network to Porvorim and the coastal belt of Calangute-Candolim-Baga, with proposals lying unattended for nearly a year.
At a high-level review meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary on Tuesday, GNGPL flagged that multiple authorities including the Public Works Department, National Highways, City Corporation of Panaji (CCP), local panchayats, and Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd have held back permissions.
The prolonged delays are highlighted by the agency to the State government as Centre steps in with policy-level interventions. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), invoked provisions under the Essential Commodities Act to introduce reforms aimed at easing approvals and land access for CGD projects. The Ministry stated that the move is intended to “address delays in approvals and access to land” and accelerate the development of natural gas infrastructure across the country.
The push gains urgency in light of ongoing LPG supply constraints, with the Centre urging States to fast-track CGD expansion through measures such as deemed approvals for pending permissions and waiving road restoration charges. These temporary measures are to remain in force until June 30, 2026, to ensure rapid rollout and improved last-mile connectivity.
GNGPL CEO S Barathy said the company has been persistently following up with departments. “Various authorities have held back permissions. We are pursuing the matter regularly as residents are approaching us for connections,” she said.
She added that the Smart City SPV has informally agreed to allow pipeline laying beneath footpaths, though official communication is still awaited. “GNGPL also agrees with authorities to restore roads through government-appointed contractors,” Barathy said.
The Chief Secretary has reportedly assured intervention to expedite clearances across departments.
However, resistance has emerged at the political level objecting excavation of newly constructed roads and footpaths in the capital city. In a political objection to the Chief Secretary, Revenue Minister and Panaji MLA Atanasio Monserrate cautioned that fresh digging could damage road integrity and drainage systems, disrupt civic life, and cause dust pollution affecting residents and businesses.
“The integrity of the city’s road infrastructure and drainage systems is critical to maintaining public safety. Any fresh digging will disturb gradients, weaken structural stability, and severely impact public health,” the minister stated.
Meanwhile, GNGPL has raised concerns over lack of coordination between departments. The company pointed out that the Taleigao road was recently tarred without prior intimation, triggering fears among consumers that pipeline work may now be delayed by up to three years due to restrictions on re-digging newly laid roads.
Barathy also highlighted that expansion proposals for Porvorim and North Goa’s coastal belt have been also pending, further slowing the state’s transition to cleaner fuel alternatives.
With the Centre pushing aggressive timelines and policy relaxations, the onus is now on the state machinery to cut through bureaucratic hurdles.
