Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates 1st CNG station in Bhubaneswar

ONI Bureau: The capital city Bhubaneswar get State’s first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations at Chandrasekharpur and Patia today.

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the first CNG station to supply CNG to vehicles. Pradhan also launched CNG-run scooters and autos at the capital city.

Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan said the user can able to convert their scooter to CNG mode by paying an EMI of Rs. 500/- every month.

The Petroleum Minister said that, “by use of CNG instead of petrol and diesel in two wheelers one can save up to 30 to 40 percent of his oil expenses per month”. While many cities of India are suffering due to pollution, CNG will be a smart fuel for
smart city like Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, the minister added.

Pradhan said that, Rs 5000 crore will be invested for pipeline project. From these Rs 5000 crore Rs 2000 crore is estimated to be invested for development of human resources. In first phase Rs. 1700 crore will be invested for Compressed Gas
Distribution (CGD) 100-100 km Pipeline in Cuttack-Bhubaneswar. With the construction and maintenances of these pipelines, it will create huge employment for the local youths and it will help in boosting Odisha’s economy.

Reportedly, 1kg of CNG would enable the two-wheelers run 80 kms while 40 kms per litre mileage expected for three-wheelers.

It is to be noted that the cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai have these facilities before and now Bhubaneswar has become the fourth city in India to get CNG supply.

Initially, natural gas will reach Bhubaneswar in special containers called “cascades” which will be transported by road from Vijaywada in Andhra Pradesh. Later, Natural Gas will be supplied through the 2655 km long Jagdishpur – Haldia & Bokaro – Dhamra Natural Gas Pipeline (JHBDPL), popularly known as the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga.