LPG to PNG Push: SMC Mandates 24-Hour Nod, Allows Round-the-Clock Gas Pipeline Work

Surat: The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has granted special relaxations to speed up the expansion of the city gas distribution network being carried out by Gujarat Gas Company, allowing pipeline work on public roads even during night hours for the next four weeks in special cases.

The decision has been taken in view of the prevailing global situation and as per government instructions to ensure rapid implementation of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network.

To accelerate the projects, the corporation has made it mandatory to grant approvals for new CGD permissions within 24 hours. In addition, relaxation has been given in road restoration charges and permission fees within SMC limits. CGD agencies have been allowed to restore public property at their own cost after submitting the required undertaking.

According to the official press note issued by SMC, Gujarat Gas Company will be permitted to lay pipelines using excavation or HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling) methods where required, including during night hours, provided that all necessary safety measures are strictly followed during the work.

The municipal corporation stated that several urgent administrative steps have been taken to ensure speedy approvals and smooth execution of the CGD project across the city.

The SMC press note said that from March 1, 2026, till date, a total of 24 applications submitted by the City Gas Distribution company across different zones have been processed and disposed of.

The corporation has also granted permission for 24-hour work with proper safety arrangements and has relaxed seasonal restrictions to facilitate uninterrupted execution of the gas pipeline network.

An administrative coordination mechanism has also been set up by the Surat Municipal Corporation to ensure faster implementation of the City Gas Distribution network across the city. DeshGujarat