Tiwari asks TN govt to make it easier for CGD
PNGRB member AK Tiwari is doing everything possible to make life easier for CGD and pipeline companies operating in Tamil Nadu.
On April 13 (2023), Tiwari met S Krishnan, an IAS officer and additional chief secretary to the Tamil Nadu state government, in Chennai. "The conversation was mainly about the challenges and problems city gas retailers face in the state," a source said.
"We always have to get so many approvals from the local authorities before we can do anything." He adds that the meeting is an excellent example of the commitment needed to support the development of CGD.
"Meetings like this are important," he adds. "CGD projects are expensive and require significant investment."
One of the main complaints of CGD operators is the delay in obtaining official approvals in Tamil Nadu, which can lead to significant time and cost overruns that impact the commercial viability of their CGD projects. "It's of utmost importance that they address this issue by adopting a single window clearance system and approve dedicated pipeline laying corridors in urban planning," we learn.
"By streamlining the approval process, CGD companies can avoid unnecessary delays and complete their projects on time," adds another source. "This will help reduce project costs and improve overall project profitability."
During the conversation, Tiwari briefed Krishnan about the PNGRB's introduction of a uniform all-India pipeline tariff, which came into effect on April 1 (2023). In response, Krishnan assured Tiwari, and by extension, the PNGRB, that the state government would go all-out to support CGD operators in developing the state's nascent gas infrastructure.
AG&P Pratham has three areas in Tamil Nadu, Adani Total Gas has two areas, IndianOil has five, Megha Engineering four, Torrent two, and BPCL and IRM Energy one each.