Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad are set to receive a more reliable natural gas supply as Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) begins work on a 65-km Steel Trunk Pipeline (STPL) project. The pipeline is expected to strengthen the region’s gas infrastructure and support the growing demand for compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG).
The new pipeline will connect MNGL’s existing network with Indian Oil’s East-West Pipeline (EWPL), creating an additional supply route for the two cities. At present, the region receives natural gas mainly through City Gate Stations at Chikhali and Talegaon, with supplies largely dependent on GAIL’s Dahej-Uran-Dabhol-Panvel pipeline network.
The alternative connection is expected to reduce dependence on a single supply route and lower the risk of disruptions. It will also improve the capacity and reliability of MNGL’s distribution network as the number of CNG vehicles and PNG consumers continues to increase across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
The project comes amid complaints of low gas pressure at several CNG stations. Motorists, auto-rickshaw drivers, commercial vehicle operators and school transport drivers have reported waiting between 30 minutes and an hour to refuel. MNGL expects the additional supply route to improve gas availability and help resolve the pressure-related problem over the long term.
MNGL currently operates 131 CNG stations in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad region and supplies PNG to more than 8 lakh domestic customers. Its network supports over 6 lakh CNG vehicles and distributes more than 14 lakh standard cubic metres of natural gas every day.
The company’s network covers Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Chakan, Talegaon Dabhade, Hinjawadi IT Park and surrounding areas, along with parts of Rajgurunagar in Khed. The new pipeline is expected to support this expanding network, improve supply continuity and meet rising demand from households, industries and transport users.
CNG users have welcomed the proposed infrastructure upgrade. Driver Sandeep Jagtap said the pipeline could provide relief to thousands of motorists if it improves supply regularity and pressure at filling stations. MNGL has set July 2027 as the target for completing the 65-km pipeline project.