Land is a valuable asset in Bangalore and this is proved yet again. The Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL India), which is keen to start supply of compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG) in Bangalore and in the State, is unable to do so for the past two years.
GAIL officials said that they have held several meetings with officials of various departments in the past, seeking permission to lay pipes to provide piped gas connections to new layouts in the City, but in vain.
Meeting not materialised
They have also held meetings with the officials, seeking land to instal CNG stations, but that has not materialised.
“GAIL can provide only the main lines. But the sub-lines should be laid by the State government’s departments. They are not coming forward. We have so far laid 73 km of main trunk line from Tavarekere and along the outer ring road. We have also laid a seven-km line till Yelahanka. Another line has been laid connecting Bidadi too,” a GAIL official said.
“Bangalore needs around 13,000 km of branch lines to get PNG and CNG at stations. If the government wishes, we can lay them too and it will take around six years to complete. CNG and PNG are economical and viable options for new areas in and around the City. States like Delhi, Maharashtra and Gujarat are using CNG and PNG to a large extent. To set up a CNG station, a mere 30x30 sq metre space is required,” he added.
‘Failed exercise’
Speaking to Deccan Herald on the issue, P N Srinivasachari, Principal Secretary of Urban Development Department, said, “We have held over three meetings with the officials of the Bangalore Development Authority to identify land along the Outer Ring Road for installing the CNG fuel stations. They also formed teams for the job, but failed. This exercise was done two months ago.”
Srinivasachari added, “If land is with us (government), we can easily give it to GAIL or issue orders to lay lines. But most of the land belongs to private builders or citizens and asking them to part with the land is impossible. Thus the project has been delayed. Getting land in Bangalore is a big challenge, especially when land prices are very high and most properties are disputed.”
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