West Bengal: In a major push to energy infrastructure and regional development, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) project worth over ₹1,010 crore in Alipurduar, West Bengal, on May 29, 2025. The announcement marks a significant step toward extending affordable and clean energy access across eastern India.
Empowering Bengal, Fueling India’s Future
While addressing the public gathering in Alipurduar, Prime Minister Modi emphasized Bengal’s critical role in India’s growth journey. He noted that “As India moves towards becoming a developed nation, Bengal’s participation is both expected and essential.” With this vision in mind, the Central Government is continually strengthening infrastructure, fostering innovation, and encouraging investment in the state.
Alipurduar, surrounded by the scenic beauty of Jalpaiguri and the cultural pride of Cooch Behar, shares its boundary with Bhutan and stands as a gateway of cultural and geographical significance. Highlighting this, PM Modi expressed pride in visiting such a vibrant land, reiterating its pivotal place in the unity and heritage of Bengal.
Project Highlights: A Pipeline of Progress
The Prime Minister announced that the CGD project will provide Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to over 2.5 lakh households, along with clean energy access to more than 100 commercial establishments and industries. Furthermore, 19 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations are set to be established to facilitate vehicular fuel requirements. The project’s implementation aligns with the Minimum Work Program (MWP) targets set by the government, ensuring accelerated and efficient execution.
Describing the initiative as more than just a technical venture, Modi stated:
“This city gas distribution project is not merely a pipeline, but a lifeline of progress. It represents doorstep delivery of key government schemes.”
The PM emphasized that the transition to piped natural gas will eliminate the traditional burden of LPG cylinder purchases and refills, ensuring continuous, safe, and reliable gas supply to families, thereby promoting ease of living and environmental sustainability.
From Energy Scarcity to Universal Accessibility
Tracing India’s transition to a gas-based economy, PM Modi recalled that in 2014, city gas services were available in only 66 districts. As of 2025, this network now spans over 550 districts, penetrating even villages and smaller towns, drastically widening access to clean and efficient energy.
This transformation has not only improved public transport through widespread CNG adoption but also reduced urban air pollution, enhanced public health, and lowered household energy costs.
Transforming Lives through the Ujjwala Yojana
The Prime Minister highlighted the revolutionary impact of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, launched in 2016. The scheme has significantly benefited poor women by providing LPG connections, liberating them from smoke-filled kitchens, and improving health and dignity in domestic spaces.
In 2014, India had under 14 crore LPG connections. Today, that number has surged past 31 crore, underlining the government’s commitment to universal energy access. Furthermore, LPG distributors have doubled—from fewer than 14,000 to more than 25,000—making cylinders readily available even in the most remote regions.
Urja Ganga: Energizing the East
A key pillar of this transformation, the Urja Ganga Project, was lauded by PM Modi as a “revolutionary step.” The initiative has brought extensive pipeline connectivity to eastern India, including West Bengal, drastically boosting gas supply infrastructure and access.
The project has also catalyzed employment creation—from pipeline laying to distribution and maintenance—thereby enhancing economic activity and strengthening the gas-based industrial ecosystem.
A Decade of Transformation in Bengal
The Prime Minister emphasized the cultural, intellectual, and scientific legacy of Bengal, asserting that India’s vision of becoming a developed nation is incomplete without the state’s parallel growth. Over the past decade, the Centre has launched multiple high-impact projects across Bengal including:
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Purva Expressway
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Durgapur Expressway
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Modernization of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port
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Kolkata Metro Expansion
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Revamp of New Jalpaiguri Railway Station
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New trains on the Dooars route
These initiatives are tailored to boost connectivity, fuel industrial growth, and improve the quality of life for Bengal’s residents.
Concluding Remarks
PM Modi concluded by reiterating the central government’s unwavering commitment to delivering development to every corner of India, especially in regions with immense potential like West Bengal.
“This project is not just a gas line; it’s a lifeline of development. It symbolizes our mission to make life easier and the future brighter for Bengal,” he said.
He extended his best wishes to the people of Alipurduar and Cooch Behar and expressed confidence in Bengal’s ongoing journey toward prosperity and leadership in the nation’s progress.
Dignitaries Present
Union Minister Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Shri Suvendu Adhikari, and Member of Parliament from Alipurduar Shri Manoj Tigga, along with other key dignitaries, were present during the ceremony.
For more details check press release on PIB website.
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Image Source: Deccan Herald
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