While the Barauni-Guwahati pipeline is connected, the intra-city distribution network required to deliver piped gas to consumers is still under development
Guwahati residents continue to wait for piped cooking gas, a facility that was promised years ago by Purba Bharti Gas Private Limited (PBGPL). Despite claims of progress and infrastructure development, no gas has been supplied yet, leaving consumers frustrated and raising concerns over the project's execution and accountability.
PBGPL had earlier assured the city that a comprehensive piped natural gas (PNG) network would be established, reducing dependence on LPG cylinders and offering a cleaner, more cost-effective alternative. However, while pipelines have been laid in several parts of Guwahati, the much-anticipated gas supply remains elusive.
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According to official sources, pipelines have been installed in key areas, including Zoo Road, Narengi, Six Mile, Beltola, Bhetapara, and Beharbari. However, PBGPL has yet to commence actual gas distribution. Speaking to GPlus, a source from PBGPL stated, “We have laid pipes from Zoo Road to Narengi, Six Mile, Beltola, Bhetapara, and Beharbari. In the first phase, we plan to provide gas in the Zoo Road area. But, GAIL is yet to provide the gas.”
Earlier, an official from PBGPL said, "Due to lack of labourers and technical issues a patch towards Panikhaity area was incomplete."
The Barauni-Guwahati Natural Gas Pipeline will be connecting Guwahati to the National Gas Grid. This 718-kilometer pipeline, executed by GAIL (India) Limited, serves as a crucial gateway for delivering natural gas to the northeastern region of India.
However, despite the pipeline's completion, the distribution of piped natural gas (PNG) within Guwahati has encountered significant delays. Purba Bharati Gas Private Limited (PBGPL), the entity responsible for the city's gas distribution, has faced multiple challenges in establishing the necessary infrastructure. These challenges include delays in securing connectivity to the Barauni-Guwahati pipeline and difficulties in expanding domestic PNG services.
Initially, PBGPL aimed to provide piped cooking gas to 65,000 consumers in Guwahati by mid-February 2024. However, due to unforeseen obstacles, the completion of the city's piped gas project has been postponed to 2025.
While the Barauni-Guwahati pipeline is connected, the intra-city distribution network required to deliver piped gas to consumers is still under development. Consequently, residents of Guwahati are yet to benefit from piped natural gas services as of April 2025.
This dependency on GAIL (Gas Authority of India Limited) for gas supply has caused an indefinite delay, leaving PBGPL in a difficult position. “Due to this delay, we are facing problems as pipes are being cut down due to other constructions such as drains and roads,” the source added.
The lack of coordination between PBGPL, GAIL, and other construction agencies is now threatening the viability of the project. As various civic projects progress across Guwahati, already-laid pipelines are being damaged or rendered useless, making the entire initiative appear haphazard and poorly managed.
Initially, PBGPL had promised to start operations in early 2025. However, with no clear timeline for completion, residents are skeptical about whether the project will ever take off. Many are questioning the feasibility of the initiative and whether PBGPL had a concrete plan in place before embarking on pipeline installation.
“The roads were dug up for months, and we dealt with traffic congestion and inconvenience. Now, the pipelines are lying unused. What was the point of all this if there is no gas supply?” said a resident of Beltola who has been following the developments closely.
Local businesses, too, had pinned hopes on the project, expecting a shift towards PNG that would reduce their operational costs. “Many of us were ready to switch to piped gas as it would have been more economical. But now, it looks like a failed promise,” said a restaurant owner in Six Mile.
Apart from the non-supply of gas, PBGPL has also been criticised for its failure to restore roads after pipeline installation. During the pipe-laying process, several major roads in Guwahati were dug up, leading to prolonged inconvenience for commuters. Despite repeated assurances from the authorities, proper restoration work remains incomplete in several areas.
Residents have pointed out that roads in Beltola, Bhetapara, and parts of Zoo Road continue to suffer from uneven surfaces and potholes, making daily commuting a nightmare. “PWD blames PBGPL for not completing the restoration work, while PBGPL claims they were waiting for final approvals. Ultimately, it’s the public that suffers,” remarked another resident of Zoo Road.
Authorities from the Public Works Department (PWD) have acknowledged these concerns and have expressed their frustration over the lack of coordination between different agencies involved in infrastructure development. “We are constantly facing issues because various departments, including PBGPL, do not follow proper road restoration protocols after their work is done. This leads to more damage and additional costs,” said an official from the PWD.
One of the major issues compounding public frustration is the absence of a clear completion date. PBGPL has so far failed to provide a definitive timeline for when gas supply will actually commence. This has left residents and stakeholders in a state of uncertainty.
When asked about a possible launch date, a PBGPL representative admitted that there was no fixed schedule yet. “There are several factors involved, and until GAIL provides the gas, we cannot move forward with supply,” the official stated. However, this explanation has not satisfied citizens who feel that the project has been mismanaged from the start.
Adding to the confusion, earlier statements from PBGPL’s CEO suggested that gas distribution would begin in early 2025. However, these remarks now appear vague and non-committal, given the current status of the project.
Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru have successfully implemented piped gas networks, allowing households and businesses to enjoy uninterrupted gas supply at lower costs. Even cities like Kolkata and Bhubaneswar have made significant progress in establishing PNG networks.
However, Guwahati seems to be lagging behind despite years of planning and promises. Many are now questioning whether PBGPL was equipped to handle a project of this scale or if a different approach should have been taken.
With increasing public pressure, there are now calls for accountability. Consumer rights groups and citizen forums are demanding answers from PBGPL and the Assam government regarding the project's status.
Experts believe that unless PBGPL provides a structured roadmap with clear deadlines, the project will continue to face setbacks. Additionally, better coordination between GAIL, PBGPL, PWD, and other civic bodies is crucial to ensuring that Guwahati’s PNG network is established without further disruptions.
For now, the city waits. The promise of piped cooking gas, once seen as a game-changer for households and businesses, remains just that—a promise unfulfilled.
