Srinagar, October 8 (Daily Kiran) : The Jammu and Kashmir government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, announced the Urban Gas Distribution (UGD) Policy 2026 on October 8. This initiative aims to increase access to clean fuel, modernize energy infrastructure, and promote industrial development across the region.
Approved by the state cabinet, the policy is designed to create a favorable investment environment for the expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) across homes, commercial establishments, industries, and the transportation sector.
Key features of the policy include coverage for all 20 districts, a single-window approval system, streamlined establishment of CNG stations, standardized right-of-way criteria, and prioritized gas connectivity for major industrial areas such as Kathua, Samba, and Pulwama.
According to the Chief Minister’s office, the policy is expected to provide safe, affordable, and clean energy. It aims to reduce fuel costs, enhance industrial competitiveness, and attract green investments, ultimately creating job opportunities and fostering skill development.
The Chief Minister commended Satish Sharma, the Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, for this significant announcement, describing it as a crucial step towards clean and sustainable development in Jammu and Kashmir.
The UGD policy sets guidelines for establishing CNG stations and standardizes right-of-way criteria. Its overarching goal is to make clean and more affordable energy accessible to homes, commercial entities, industries, and the transportation sector.
Under the initiative of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), the comprehensive aim of the UGD policy is to develop a 325-kilometer natural gas pipeline connecting the region to the GAIL Gurudaspur-Jammu network.
National programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) and enforcement efforts by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are designed to provide affordable fuel options, prevent misuse, and expand the availability of LPG and PNG across the country.
The Chief Minister’s office shared the announcement on their X handle, stating, “This is a significant step towards enhancing access to clean fuel, accelerating industrial development, and modernizing energy infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.”
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