Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) announced that its distribution network now reaches 9 lakh households across the Pune metropolitan area. To translate that coverage into active service, the company has launched a special activation drive aimed at completing the hookup of all newly‑served premises by the close of September.
MNGL, a state‑owned utility, has been expanding piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure across Maharashtra for more than a decade. The Pune expansion is part of a broader state policy to shift urban cooking and heating loads from LPG cylinders to cleaner, pipeline‑delivered gas, thereby reducing indoor air pollution and curbing carbon emissions. The 9‑lakh‑household figure represents a significant jump from the 6‑lakh‑household coverage recorded two years ago.
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The activation drive will deploy field teams to each neighbourhood, offering on‑site assistance for meter installation, safety checks, and consumer registration. MNGL has set a target of activating at least 80 % of the new connections within the first three weeks of the campaign, with the remaining households to be completed by September 30. The company has also partnered with local contractors and municipal authorities to streamline permit processes and ensure uninterrupted power supply for the installation work.
Consumers stand to gain from lower per‑kilogram cooking costs, reduced reliance on cylinder refills, and a more reliable supply chain that is less vulnerable to price volatility. Environmental analysts note that each household switched to PNG can cut annual CO₂ emissions by roughly 1.2 tonnes, contributing to Pune’s climate‑action goals. However, challenges remain, including the need for household retrofits, awareness campaigns, and addressing any lingering safety concerns among residents unfamiliar with pipeline gas.
A MNGL spokesperson said, “Reaching 9 lakh homes is a milestone, but the real impact will be measured by how quickly we can get those connections live. Our activation drive is designed to be consumer‑centric, ensuring that every new subscriber receives a safe, hassle‑free experience before the month ends.” The utility also indicated that it will monitor activation rates daily and adjust resources as needed to meet the September deadline.
