PBGPL has completed approximately 30% of the project, with around 2,500 household connections provided and 35,000 registrations
The ambitious project of providing piped cooking gas to households across Guwahati, initiated under Purba Bharati Gas Private Limited (PBGPL), continues to struggle against multiple setbacks, leaving residents frustrated and disillusioned. Initially slated for completion by 2024, the project has now been delayed until late 2025, a timeline far removed from the promises made by the authorities and stakeholders during its launch.
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The piped gas project, a collaborative effort involving PBGPL and various government agencies, was launched in 2019-20 with the aim of creating a gas-based energy economy in Assam. The project, with an estimated investment of ₹2,600 crore, was designed to provide Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to over 3.21 lakh consumers in Guwahati over eight years. However, delays attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, logistical challenges, and administrative hurdles have severely derailed the timeline.
Despite the setbacks, PBGPL has managed to make some progress in certain areas of the city. The pipe-laying process has commenced in regions such as Geetanagar, Beltola, Hatigaon, and VIP Road, where drilling activities have been underway for months. In contrast, areas like Zoo Road and Ulubari are yet to see the start of any work, while crucial connections in Noonmati and PanikhaitI remain incomplete due to technical and labour-related challenges. Speaking to GPlus, a PBGPL official said, "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."
The delay in these critical sections has significantly hindered the pace of the project. While PBGPL officials remain optimistic about meeting revised deadlines, the continuous disruptions caused by construction work have already taken a toll on the daily lives of residents. Many complain about deteriorating road conditions and lack of proper restoration after pipeline installations.
A resident of Ghoramara, where pipe-laying work has been completed, expressed his frustration over the aftermath of the project. "Continuous construction has left roads in a shambles. Earlier it was the water supply project; now it’s the gas pipeline project. The poor restoration after the work makes commuting unsafe," he said.
Beyond road conditions, safety has become a pressing concern. In December 2023, a hydro test conducted near VIP Road resulted in an explosion, injuring three individuals. The incident raised serious questions about the safety protocols being followed by PBGPL. The hydro test, a standard procedure to check pipeline integrity, involved sending water through the pipes at varying pressures. According to officials, the explosion occurred when a track header, reused multiple times, failed during the test.
While PBGPL assured the public of enhanced safety measures following the incident, many residents remain wary. Officials have since outlined stringent testing procedures, including pressure checks at varying levels and X-ray inspections to detect irregularities. Additionally, pipelines are coated to prevent corrosion and buried 1.5 metres underground to ensure durability.
Despite these measures, the delays continue to paint a grim picture for the project’s timeline. When the piped gas initiative was first announced, it was hailed as a game-changer for domestic energy supply in Guwahati. The authorities promised residents a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional cooking fuels. However, the current state of the project, marked by missed deadlines and logistical hurdles, has left many questioning its viability.
The GAS CONCLAVE 2023, held at the Assam Administrative Staff College in Khanapara, showcased the state government’s commitment to fostering a gas-based economy. Industry leaders, government officials, and stakeholders convened to discuss the project’s progress and address potential challenges. At the event, Bimal Bora, Assam’s Minister for Industries earlier, expressed optimism about the project’s trajectory, stating that it would revolutionise energy consumption in the state. However, the promises made during the conclave now seem overly ambitious in light of the current delays.
At the conclave, stakeholders emphasised the importance of the Barauni-Guwahati Pipeline, a critical component of the project. This pipeline was expected to supply gas to Guwahati by the end of 2024, enabling the completion of Phase I of the piped gas project. However, work on the pipeline has been marred by logistical challenges, including overlapping utilities and contractor inefficiencies.
Currently, according to available data PBGPL has completed approximately 30% of the project, with around 2,500 household connections provided and 35,000 registrations recorded.
Additionally, 30 hotels, industries, and commercial establishments have signed agreements to utilise the piped gas supply. Despite these achievements, the project remains far from completion, with many critical areas yet to be linked to the gas grid.
However, a source from PBGPL said, "Although, a few house connections have been installed and several free registrations have been accounted. This doesn't imply that they will start getting the supply. Every consumer has to be give a security deposit. Only after that the connections will work."
Phase I of the project covers regions such as Khanapara, Beltola, and Panjabari, while Phase II focuses on areas like Noonmati, Uzan Bazaar, and Christian Basti. The third and final phase, which includes Mirza, Azara, and Sonapur, has seen minimal progress due to various administrative and logistical roadblocks. In many areas, work has been put on hold due to congestion on major roads and overlapping utility services.
Meanwhile, the source further added that at present the project is not going according to the phases. Work is ongoing indifferent to the blueprint.
The road ahead for PBGPL is fraught with challenges. Coordinating with local authorities, ensuring adherence to safety standards, and maintaining public trust will be critical to the project’s success. Officials have acknowledged the difficulties in executing such a large-scale initiative, citing labour shortages, adverse weather conditions, and contractor inefficiencies as primary obstacles.
Residents, meanwhile, are growing increasingly impatient. Many feel that the authorities have failed to deliver on their promises, leaving them to deal with the consequences of a poorly managed project. "PBGPL’s repeated delays are testing our patience. These projects are supposed to make our lives easier, but they’ve only added to our struggles," said a resident of Beltola.
The endeavour to provide piped gas to 3.21 lakh consumers in Guwahati was initially met with enthusiasm. However, the repeated delays and disruptions have dampened public optimism. While PBGPL officials continue to assure residents of timely completion, the project’s future remains uncertain.
As Guwahati awaits the realisation of the piped gas project, the question remains: will the authorities be able to deliver on their promises, or will the city’s residents be left struggling with unfulfilled expectations? Only time will tell whether the project, once touted as a cornerstone of Assam’s energy revolution, will live up to its potential.
With the revised completion date now set for late 2025, the residents of Guwahati can only hope that the authorities overcome the challenges and expedite the project’s progress. Until then, the city remains caught in the crossfire of broken promises and ongoing disruptions, a reminder of the complexities involved in executing large-scale infrastructure projects.
