What are the measures taken by GOI to develop the national gas grid and city gas distribution network? Shristi Jaiswal UPSC Preparation Sun, Feb 06, 2022, at ,11:35 PM National Gas Grid: With the aim to create nationwide gas grid, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has authorized approximately 33,764 km natural gas pipeline network across the country, as on 31.03.2021. The National Gas Grid would connect all major demand and supply centres in India. This would ensure easy availability of natural gas across all regions and also potentially help to achieve uniform economic and social progress. As on 31 March 2021, 19,998 km of natural gas pipelines are operational and 15,369 km are under various stages of construction.Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga (2016): In order to develop the national gas grid, the Government has taken a decision to provide a capital grant of Rs.5176 crore (i.e., 40percent of the estimated capital cost of Rs.12,940 Cr) for development of a 2655 Km long Jagdishpur-Haldia -Bokaro- Dhamra Gas Pipeline (JHBDPL) project. It will pass through 50 districts in the State of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha & West BengalNorth East Gas Grid (2020): Government has approved the North East Gas Grid project of Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) / Capital Grant at 60percent (Rs.5,559 crore) of the estimated cost of Rs.9,265 crore. The1,656 km long North East Gas Grid will connect eight North-Eastern states.City Gas Distribution Network (CGD): PNGRB has authorized 232 geographical areas (GAs) for development of CGD network across the country covering more than 400 districts in 27 States/UTs which covers around 71percent of India’s population and 53 percent of area. As on 31.07.2021, a total of approx. 79.47 lakh PNG Domestic connections and 3323 CNG stations have been commissioned in the country.