LPG to PNG Push: SMC Mandates 24-Hour Nod, Allows Round-the-Clock Gas Pipeline Work
March 24, 2026
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
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Facts Only
Actor: Surat Municipal Corporation, Gujarat Gas Company
Action: Granting special relaxations, permitting pipeline work on public roads during night hours for four weeks in special cases, relaxation in road restoration charges and permission fees, allowing 24-hour work with proper safety arrangements, setting up an administrative coordination mechanism to ensure faster implementation of the City Gas Distribution network.
Event: Decision taken by SMC to speed up CGD projects, approval of 24 applications for CGD permissions within 24 hours as of March 1, 2026.
Timeline: Since March 1, 2026
Location: Surat
Executive Summary
Full Take
In response to the global situation and government instructions, the Surat Municipal Corporation has taken urgent administrative steps to ensure speedy approvals and smooth execution of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) project across the city. This decision allows Gujarat Gas Company to lay pipelines even during night hours using excavation or Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) methods, provided all necessary safety measures are followed.
While this move aims to accelerate the expansion of the city's gas distribution network, it raises concerns about potential disruptions and safety risks associated with 24-hour pipeline work on public roads. It is crucial for both parties to adhere strictly to safety guidelines during the project execution.
Patterns detected: ARC-0163 Speed, ARC-0045 Urgent Action, ARC-0027 Streamlining Processes
The decision also calls into question the transparency and accountability mechanisms in place to ensure that these relaxations are not exploited for undue benefits or compromises in safety standards. It is essential to monitor the implementation process closely to address any potential issues and ensure the best interests of the public are protected.
Questions for further inquiry: What safeguards have been put in place to maintain safety during 24-hour pipeline work? How will the municipal corporation ensure transparency and accountability in the execution of this project? Are there any potential risks associated with allowing CGD agencies to restore public property at their own cost without oversight?