Hardeep Jamwal, JNM Journalist, Jammu
The ₹538-crore city gas project, aimed at supplying piped natural gas (PNG) to households and compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles across five districts of the Jammu division, has failed to gain momentum even after four years. Surprisingly, only ₹4.32 crore has been spent on the project so far—an amount that does not even constitute one percent of the total cost.
The project is slated for implementation in the districts of Jammu, Udhampur, Reasi, Samba, and Kathua. It entails supplying piped gas to homes, providing natural gas to industries, and establishing CNG stations at various locations.
According to a government report, the target for completing this project has now been set for September 2034. This implies that the public may have to wait several more years to avail themselves of this facility.
Meanwhile, work on the ₹7,392-crore gas pipeline project—designed to bring natural gas to Jammu—is progressing rapidly. Approximately 86 percent of this pipeline project is complete, with a target completion date of March 2027.
Experts warn that if the pipeline is ready before the internal city distribution network is established, the public will not reap the benefits. Consequently, despite the existence of a multi-crore rupee pipeline, gas would not reach households, and CNG stations would remain non-operational.
The question now arises: why has the project’s progress been so sluggish over the past four years, and what measures will the government take to ensure its timely completion?
