Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) on Friday launched “PNG Drive 2.0” in Siliguri to promote the adoption of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) across Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Uttar Dinajpur districts.
The initiative was formally launched by Jayanta Narayan Das, Member (Technical), Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), in the presence of senior HPCL officials including Animesh Kumar Sinha, Head–CGD, HPCL; Anil Kumar Tripathi, Head–West Bengal Cluster; and Charanya Kumar Duvvuru, Head–GA Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri & Uttar Dinajpur.
During the programme, HPCL showcased its City Gas Distribution (CGD) activities in the region. Addressing the gathering, HPCL officials highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of PNG and CNG, and informed that the company is investing approximately ₹1,700 crore to develop natural gas infrastructure in the three districts. The project, they said, would help reduce carbon footprint, maintain ecological balance, and generate employment opportunities for local youth.
Addressing the audience, the PNGRB Member elaborated on government initiatives aimed at increasing the share of natural gas to 15 per cent in India’s energy basket.
To mark the occasion, a CNG vehicle awareness rally was flagged off.