Mumbai: Amid LPG supply disruptions due to recent geopolitical developments, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has ordered an accelerated rollout of PNG connections. Following this, the Brihanmumbai
Municipal Corporation (BMC) has granted deemed approval for all pending applications from Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) and instructed ward offices to issue permits for digging of roads for pipe laying for new applications within 24 hours across all road types. The circular aims to fast-track pipeline expansion in Mumbai and will remain in effect until June 30, 2026.
All 26 Wards Directed to Treat Pending Applications as Deemed Approved
The BMC has issued a comprehensive circular directing all 26 administrative wards to treat existing and pending applications from MGL as deemed approved, enabling immediate commencement of gas pipeline installation across the city. Under the new guidelines, fresh applications will be processed within 24 hours for all road types, including both DLP and non-DLP roads, to ensure rapid expansion of PNG infrastructure. For applications where demand notes have not yet been issued, MGL has been given the option to carry out trench reinstatement themselves, in accordance with specified trenching guidelines, upon submission of a performance bank guarantee equal to 20% of the reinstatement charges. If MGL opts not to undertake self-restoration, the BMC will recover the applicable reinstatement charges and complete the work as per standard trenching guidelines and subsequent circulars," the circular stated.
One-Time Access Charge of Rs 1,000 Per Kilometer, 24-Hour Work Permitted
The BMC has also specified that a one-time access charge of Rs. 1,000 per kilometer will be levied for new applications where demand notes have not yet been issued. MGL has been granted permission to work 24 hours a day, and the working season for laying gas pipelines has been extended until June 30, 2026. The requirement to obtain NOCs from the Chief Fire Officer and Traffic Police has been temporarily relaxed, provided MGL submits a daily work schedule to both authorities. Meanwhile, as per government orders, the reinstatement charges for MGL pipelines have been fixed at Rs. 5,000 per running meter for Cement Concrete (CC) roads, CC passages, and footpaths with CC finish or stamped concrete, and Rs. 3,500 per running meter for asphalt roads, paver block roads, and footpaths with paver block finish.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said the government has also waived road restoration charges levied by local civic authorities and allowed gas companies to work round-the-clock.
In a significant relaxation, firms will no longer require no-objection certificates from fire or traffic departments. PNG has been accorded the status of an essential service, similar to water and electricity.
The government has appointed the Director of Civil Supplies as the nodal officer to ensure coordination among departments. The orders will remain in force until June 30, 2026.
Residents and hotel operators in areas with existing pipelines can apply through ration shops and are expected to receive connections within three months. While domestic supply will be prioritised, commercial users such as hotels, schools and hospitals will receive gas at regulated rates.
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