STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The ambitious piped gas project in Guwahati, aimed at providing cooking gas to households across the city, has hit yet another roadblock. The project, undertaken by Purba Bharati Gas Private Limited (PBGPL), has been delayed multiple times, and its completion deadline has now been pushed to late 2025.
Launched in 2019-20 with an estimated investment of Rs 2,600 crore, the project aimed to supply Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to over 3.21 lakh consumers in Guwahati within eight years. However, technical and labour-related issues have stalled progress, particularly in key areas like Noonmati and Panikhaiti.
According to a PBGPL official, "Due to some issues with labour and technicalities, the main connection towards Noonmati-Panikhaiti has been delayed. We are hoping to complete it before the end of this year." Despite this assurance, the project's progress has been slow, with pipeline installation commenced in only a few regions like Geetanagar, Beltola, Hatigaon, and VIP Road.
Areas like Zoo Road and Ulubari are yet to see any work, while crucial connections in Phase II zones like Noonmati and Uzan Bazaar remain incomplete. The third and final phase, covering Mirza, Azara, and Sonapur, has also witnessed minimal progress due to congestion, overlapping utility services, and administrative roadblocks.
The project's execution has been marred by disruptions in multiple areas, with residents complaining about deteriorating road conditions and inadequate restoration efforts after pipeline installations. Officials have cited labour shortages, adverse weather conditions, and contractor inefficiencies as major challenges in executing the large-scale initiative.
Also Read: Assam: Assam Gas Company Launches Door-to-Door Piped Cooking Gas Project in Bormura Miripathar
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