Pradhan inaugurates Eastern India's first CNG stations

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], Dec 16 (ANI): Terming it as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's New Year gift to the people of Odisha, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today inaugurated Eastern India's first compressed natural gas (CNG) stations at Bhubaneswar.

"Today is a happy day for the city of Bhubaneswar. This is the New Year gift for the people of Odisha from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I am grateful to the Prime Minister for introducing the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga scheme in Eastern India," Pradhan told ANI.

The Petroleum Minister, while pointing out that for the first time CNG fuel will be used by two wheelers and auto rickshaws in the city of Bhubaneswar, said that this move will lead to the reduction in fuel rates by 30-40 percent.

"By switching to cleaner CNG fuel, every auto driver in the city will be able to save more than Rs 1500 per month," Pradhan said, adding that the use of CNG fuel is beneficial for the prosperity of auto rickshaw drivers, tourism sector and also better for the health of people.

The government plans to commission 24 CNG stations within the next one year in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Further, the City Gas Distribution (CGD) project will be implemented by the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) in Cuttack by March 2018.

"Rs 5,000 crore will be invested in laying of natural gas pipeline and another 1700 crore will be invested city gas distribution network in twin city Cuttack and Bhubaneswar alone. This will give employment opportunity and strengthen local economy," Pradhan said in a tweet. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI