Pune, 22nd September 2026: Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) and GAIL have increased the gas-handling capacity of the Receiving Terminal (RT) station at Talegaon by 9.3 times, in a move aimed at strengthening CNG and PNG supply across Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and surrounding areas.
The capacity of the gas-handling skid at the Talegaon terminal has been increased from 75,000 standard cubic metres per day (SCMD) to 7 lakh SCMD, equivalent to 0.7 million standard cubic metres per day (MMSCMD). The expansion will allow the network to handle higher volumes of natural gas and is expected to improve supply stability in the region.
The capacity expansion is particularly significant amid complaints of low pressure at some CNG stations, which can lead to slower refuelling and lower quantities of gas being filled into vehicle tanks. Improved gas flow through the network is expected to provide more consistent pressure at CNG stations.
The stronger supply network could also reduce the time required to fill CNG and help bring down queues at busy stations. However, the actual improvement will depend on supply and pressure conditions at individual CNG stations.
As part of the next phase of the network strengthening programme, GAIL has started pipeline improvement work through hot-tapping. The existing four-inch pipeline at Talegaon is being upgraded to eight inches, with the work scheduled to be completed by December 31.
The upgrade is expected to increase the flexibility of the distribution network and provide additional capacity to meet the growing demand for natural gas in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
MNGL has also expanded its distribution infrastructure over the past year. Eleven new CNG stations have been commissioned, while 17 additional dispensers have been installed at locations experiencing high demand. Eight more dispensers are proposed.
On the PNG side, more than 6.80 lakh households now have access to the network, while over 4.55 lakh households are actively using PNG.
The PNG pipeline network has expanded to more than 2,700 km. The pace of new PNG connections has also increased. MNGL was earlier providing around 200 to 250 connections a day, but the number has now risen to about 600 connections daily, or nearly 15,000 connections a month. The company aims to increase this to more than 800 connections a day.
Rajendra Pandit of Balaji Enterprises, Talegaon, said motorists have experienced an improvement in CNG filling in recent days.
“CNG is being filled at higher pressure, allowing vehicles to receive more gas in less time. Faster refuelling has also helped reduce queues at the stations,” Pandit said.
The increased terminal capacity, pipeline expansion and addition of CNG infrastructure are expected to strengthen the natural gas network in the Pune region and improve its ability to meet rising demand for CNG and PNG.
