Puducherry City Gas Distribution Policy – 2023

1. Introduction
1.1. Overview
India being the fastest growing economy in the world with the status
of being the most populous country, the 3rd largest energy consumer
in the world and the 14th in Natural gas consumption is rapidly
increasing its energy demand. On the other side there is an urgent
need to reduce the environmental pollution caused due to the usage
of polluting liquid fuel, thereby significantly reduce the carbon
footprint, in line with India’s COP 21 commitment in UN Framework
Convention on climate change extended in Paris Agreement. In this
context the Govt. of India has taken decisive action to enhance the
share of Natural Gas in primary energy basket from existing 6.71% to
15% by 2030.

The Government of India is rapidly expanding the City Gas

Distribution (CGD) networks across the country, so as to provide
cleaner fuel though Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to households, industrial
and commercial units, as well as transportation fuel through
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to vehicles. The Govt. of India is also
keen in utilizing the domestically produced natural gas in the form of
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) which is cheaper than the imported
natural Gas.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) under the
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), Govt of India has
assigned four CGD entities, one each for the four regions of this U.T of
Puducherry for development of Natural Gas Infrastructure and CGD
Network. The estimated project cost of developing the CGD network in
the four regions is around 700 Crores. The CGD entities are bound to
complete the project in the span of eight years from the date of
approval from PNGRB as per the Minimum Work Program (MWP) set
out by PNGRB. In the context of above, there is necessity on the part
of Government of Puducherry to notify a CGD Policy for standardizing
the road restoration/permission charges along with time bound
permissions. As such CGD Policy for this U.T namely “Puducherry
City Gas Distribution Policy 2023” is notified by the Directorate of
Industries and Commerce, Puducherry.

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Definition
1.1.1. “Act” means the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board
(PNGRB) Act, 2006;
1.1.2. “Authorised area” means the specified geographical area for a
city or local natural gas distribution (CGD) network authorized
under these regulations for laying, building, operating or
expanding the CGD network which may comprise of the
following categories, either individually or in any combination
thereof, depending upon the criteria of economic viability and
contiguity as stated in Schedule A, namely: (i). geographic area,
in its entirety or in part thereof, within a Municipality, any
other urban area notified by the Central or Puducherry
Government, Village Panchayat, Commune Panchayat, Taluk,
Region or District, or any combination thereof;
1.1.3. “Board” means the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory
Board constituted under sub-section(1) of the section 3 of the
Act and established under the Ministry of Petroleum and
Natural Gas, Government of India;
1.1.4. “City Gas Station (CGS)” means the point where custody
transfer of natural gas from the main natural gas transmission
line to the CGD network takes place;
1.1.5. “City or local natural gas distribution (CGD) network”
means an interconnected network of gas pipelines and the
associated equipment used for transporting natural gas from a
bulk supply high-pressure transmission main to the medium-
pressure distribution grid and subsequently to the service
pipes supplying natural gas to domestic, industrial or
commercial premises and CNG Station situated in a specified
geographical area;
1.1.6. “CNG Station” means a filling station where one or more
dispensing units are provided for sale of compressed natural
gas;
1.1.7. “Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)” means natural gas used as
fuel for vehicles. Typically compressed to a pressure ranging
from 200 to 250 bars in the gaseous state;
1.1.8. “Development of a CGD network” means laying, building
operating or expanding a city or local natural gas distribution
network;
1.1.9. “DRS/PRS/MRS” means District Regulating Station/Pressure
Regulating Station/Metering & Regulating Station for reducing
the pressure of natural gas flowing through pipeline network
from 49 barg to 5 barg approximately;
1.1.10. “Entity” means a person, association of persons, firm,
company, or cooperative society, by whatsoever name called or
referred to, other than a dealer or distributor and engaged or
intending to be engaged in refining, processing, storage,

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 transportation, distribution, marketing, import and export of
petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas, including
laying of pipelines for transportation of petroleum, petroleum
products, and natural gas, or laying, building, operating or
expanding city or local natural gas distribution network or
establishing and operating a liquefied natural gas terminal;
1.1.11. “LCNG” means CNG produced at the fueling station from LNG
by pumping and vapourisation;
1.1.12. “Liquefied Natural Gas” (LNG) means a fluid in the liquid state
composed predominantly of methane (CH4) and which may
contain minor quantities of ethane, propane, nitrogen, or other
components normally found in natural gas;
1.1.13. “Local distribution entity” means an entity authorized by the
Board under section 20 of the Act to lay, build, operate or
expand a city or local natural gas distribution network;
1.1.14. “MDPE Pipeline” means Medium Density Poly Ethylene
pipeline used for flow of medium/low pressure natural gas
nearly 5 barg;
1.1.15. “Natural Gas” means gas obtained from boreholes and
consisting primarily of hydrocarbons and includes (i) gas in a
liquid state, namely liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the
regasified liquefied natural gas, (ii) compressed natural gas
(CNG), (iii) gas imported through transnational pipelines,
including CNG or liquefied natural gas, (iv) gas recovered from
gas hydrates as natural gas, (v) methane obtained from coal
seams namely coal bed methane, but does not include helium
occurring in association with such hydrocarbons;
1.1.16. “Piped Natural Gas (PNG)” means natural gas transported
through pipelines or cascades or any other permitted mode in a
CGD network for consumption by any customer in the
domestic, commercial or industrial segment and includes
natural gas supplied to an online CNG Station before its
compressions;
1.1.17. “Regulations” means regulations made by the Board under
PNGRB Act,2006;
1.1.18. “SR” means Service Regulator used for reducing pressure from
5 barg to 110 milli barg;
1.1.19. “Work Program” until issuance of authorization letter, means
the number of domestic PNG connections, number of CNG
stations and inch-kilometer of steel pipeline network as quoted
by the bidder in the bid and after such issue on means number
of domestic PNG connections, number of CNG stations and
inch-kilometer of steel pipeline network as mentioned in the
authorization letter as per Schedule D of CGD Authorization
Regulations.

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2. Objectives of this CGD Policy
2.1. To promote the adoption of natural gas in the Union Territory of
Puducherry as a Green and Clean fuel.
2.2. To ensure faster development and implementation of CGD
infrastructure in the Union Territory.
2.3. To ensure compliance with safe operations by CGD entities and also
to entrust the entities to provide a reliable/uninterrupted supply of
natural gas.
2.4. To facilitate in issue of permissions/clearance/charges in a time-
bound manner and provide necessary support mechanism.
2.5. To Develop applicable rules/regulations to encourage the use of
natural gas for industrial, commercial, transportation, and
household purposes in a phased manner.
2.6. To encourage CNG/LNG as a preferred transport fuel, LNG bunkering
in fishing vessels and boats.Conversion of Diesel generators in
Telecom service towers with Gas generators. In this regard, the
charges and other aspects shall be notified from time to time, upon
the readiness of CGD entities in establishing the CGD networks
across the U.T, and ensuring uninterrupted supply of natural gas to
all the customers.
2.7. This policy shall come into effect from the date of notification of
this policy by the Government of Puducherry in the Official
Gazette.

3. U.T Level CGD Policy

The Government of Puducherry shall accord priority to encourage the use of

natural gas as a fuel for piped Natural Gas (PNG) for the domestic, commercial,
and industrial sectors; and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for the
transportation sector. In order to ensure the coverage of CGD infrastructure
across the Union Territory and to derive benefits from value-added services and
employment opportunities, the Government of Puducherry hereby notifies
guidelines for expeditious and safe implementation of CGD networks and value
added services across the Union Territory of Puducherry.

3.1. High-Level Committee on CGD Development:

3.1.1. A High Level Committee shall be formed under the
Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to Government to
facilitate the following:
3.1.1.1. Creation of CGD infrastructure and value-added services;
3.1.1.2. Formulation of policies and streamlining the processes
for various permissions;
3.1.1.3. Make suitable mechanisms for permission from the
concerned authorities of PESO (Petroleum & Explosive
Safety Organization)/NHAI (National Highway Authority
of India)/Railway/Ministry of Urban Development

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 (MoUD)/Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
(MoRTH)/Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate
Changes (MoEF & CC), etc.
3.1.2. The constitution of the High Level Committee is as below.

(i) The Chief Secretary - Chairman

(ii) The Secretary to Govt.(Ind. & Com.) – Vice Chairman
(iii) The Secretary to Govt.(LAD) - Member
(iv) The Secretary to Govt.(PWD) - Member
(v) The Secretary to Govt.(Electricity) - Member
(vi) The Secretary to Govt.(IT) - Member
(vii) The Secretary to Govt.(Science & Tech)- Member
(viii) The Secretary to Govt.(TCP) - Member
(ix) The Secretary to Govt.(Revenue) - Member
(x) The Secretary to Govt.(Fire service) - Member
(xi) The Managing Director, PIPDIC - Member
(xii) The Director (Ind.&Com.) -Member Secretary

3.1.3. Periodicity of meetings:

High Level Committee shall convene at least once in six months
for expeditious development of the CGD network and otherwise
as per need.
3.1.4. Key Functions:
The committee shall decide measures which may, inter alia
include the following:
3.1.4.1. Development of CGD infrastructure in all parts of the
Union Territory of Puducherry in alignment with various
Government initiatives.
3.1.4.2. Encouraging the usage of PNG and CNG through the
conversion for city buses to CNG and long-distance
buses to CNG/LNG.
3.1.4.3. Promote usage of PNG and CNG by all segments of
consumers including industrial and commercial as a
preferred fuel.
3.1.4.4. Addressing the issues related to safe CGD operations
and all interfaces with the Government of Puducherry
arising out of safe operations and emergency
management.
3.1.4.5. To deal with issues related to land rates, utility and
infrastructure status, ease of rolling out CGD business
in line with that of other Utility programs such as
telecom, electricity, water, etc.,
3.1.4.6. To coordinate with all the stakeholders for faster
implementation of the Policy objectives set out here.

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 3.1.4.7. To implement suitable modification in Building Plan
Rules for providing gas pipe line infrastructure in
residential & commercial buildings at the architectural
design stage itself to facilitate readiness of the buildings
for “Gas-In” at the end of their construction.
3.1.4.8. To develop suitable policy guidelines/framework for
earmarking/allotment of feasible Government lands to
accommodate the District Regulating System (DRS) and
Pressure Regulating System (PRS) for setting up of CNG
stations, etc., by the CGD entities.

3.2. Nodal Agency for CGD implementation

3.2.1. To expedite the implementation of “Petroleum & Natural Gas
pipeline projects and City Gas Distribution network projects
(CGD)” in the Union Territory of Puducherry, the Directorate
of Industries & Commerce, Puducherry, shall act as the Nodal
Agency for all such assigned projects.

3.2.2. Periodicity of meetings:

In order to achieve expeditious implementation of CGD projects
at all Geographical Areas (GA) covering the four regions of this
Union Territory, review meetings shall be convened under the
Chairmanship of the Secretary to Govt.(Ind & Com.),
Puducherry, once in three months or on need basis, along with
Nodal Officers of all related line Departments and District
Collectors/Regional Administrators. The representatives from
each CGD entity shall also be invited for the above said review
meetings.

3.2.3. Key functions:

The Nodal Agency shall conduct regular coordination meetings
and follow-up with line Departments concerned and CGD
entities for facilitating timely issuance of
permissions/clearances and for allotment of feasible
Government land parcels for establishing DRS/PRS and SRS
for faster implementation of CGD network by CGD entities. The
Nodal Agency will suggest suitable measures which may, inter
alia include the following:
3.2.3.1. Coordination with the District/Region Level Monitoring
Committee (DLMC) to ensure the issuance of clearances
to the CGD entities through the single window system.
3.2.3.2. Each of the concerned Departments shall update the
status of issuance of permission/clearance for CGD
projects, including pending clarifications/details from
CGD entities to the Nodal agency in order to ensure
compliance with the timelines for the issuance of

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 permissions/clearance and also shall submit the details
to State Level Committee.
3.2.3.3. All the matters relating to further suggestions received
for improvement by the line Departments for
incorporation in the Policy.
3.3. District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) for CGD
development:
3.3.1. The District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) shall be
constituted under the Chairmanship of the District
Collector/Regional Administrator with the following as
Members:
3.3.1.1. The Senior Superintendent of Police
(SSP/Superintendent of Police) of concerned
District/Region.
3.3.1.2. The Chief/Superintending/Executive Engineer, PWD of
concerned District/Region.
3.3.1.3. The Commissioner of Municipality/Commune of
concerned District/Region.
3.3.1.4. The Director/Deputy Director of the Departments at the
District/Region level.
3.3.1.5. The Member Secretary/Officer Incharge of the
Puducherry Pollution Control Committee.
3.3.1.6. The Regional Transport Officer of concerned
District/Region.
3.3.1.7. Other senior officials from concerned line Department
and the representative of CGD entities operating in the
District shall also be invited to the review meetings.
3.3.1.8. The District Collector shall designate Revenue
Officer/Tahsildar/Dy.Tahsildar as the Nodal Officer of
the DLMC who shall function as the Member Secretary
of DLMC.
3.3.2. Periodicity of meetings:

The District Level Monitoring Committee shall be convened

once in 3 months or more frequently whenever needed, during
the implementation of the project. The status update on the
review meeting shall be submitted to the Nodal Agency i.e.
Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Puducherry.
3.3.3. Key Functions:

The DLMC, headed by the District Collector/Regional

Administrator concerned, will coordinate with the line
Departments and monitor the progress of CGD works
implemented in their District/Region and shall update the
status to the State Nodal Agency periodically. The key
functions include:

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 3.3.3.1. To facilitate allotment of feasible Government land
parcels to the CGD entities for establishing
DRS/PRS/SRS stations and CNG/LNG stations
including the issuance of the enter-upon permissions as
per prevailing Government norms.
3.3.3.2. To facilitate the provision of details of Government Lands
under various categories available for consideration in
the pipeline alignment submitted by the CGD entities.
3.3.3.3. To facilitate the issuance of permissions/clearances and
NOCs related to establishing LCNG/CNG stations and
laying pipelines in a time-bound manner.
3.3.3.4. Standardizing permission issuance mechanisms with
timelines, issuance of “In principle approvals” to
facilitate immediate commencement of field activities,
approval of work execution methodology as per site
condition, levying of applicable charges, for issuing NOC,
etc, from CGD entities for laying distribution steel
pipelines, MDPE pipelines, last mile connectivity (LMC)
along/across various categories of roads and other
utilities to facilitate implementation of CGD
infrastructure in a time bound manner.
3.3.3.5. DLMC shall provide a platform to the CGD entities to
appeal against the decision of the permission issuing
authority for establishing the CGD network.
3.3.3.6. To address the issues related to the seamless execution
of CGD field works by CGD entities at different stretches
in Towns/Cities/Rural Area.
3.3.3.7. To facilitate the issuance of requisite additional
operational guidelines as and when felt necessary, to
ensure uninterrupted work execution by the CGD
entities.
3.3.3.8. To facilitate the provision of details covering various
aspects viz. future road expansion, co-existence with
other utilities, period of pipeline laying and public safety
etc. in consultation with road-owning authorities
concerned and as per synchronisation of work envisaged
under PM_Gati Shakti Framework.
3.3.3.9. To deal with matters related to the adoption of all safety
norms/measures by the CGD entities during the
execution of pipeline laying works at various stretches,
preferably road cutting and restoration work. In case
any suitable manpower required by the District
Administration for such supervision, the CGD entities
shall assist in providing manpower at their cost.
3.3.3.10. Ensuring submission of ERDMP (Emergency Response
Disaster Management Plan) by the CGD entities.

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 3.4. Authorities who can issue permissions:

S.N
Details of permission Permission issuing Authorities/

Nodal officers

1. Laying of pipelines along & across NHAI

National Highways – cutting and
restoration of Roads

2. Laying of pipelines along & across Estate Officer/Executive Engineer, PWD,

State Highways/Major District Road- Puducherry/Karaikal /Mahe/ Yanam
cutting and restoration of Roads Regions after obtaining in-prinicple
approval of Chief Engineer, PWD,
Puducherry.

Concerned Estate Officers of PWD will be

the Executive Engineers of National
Highways Division/ Buildings and Roads
(Central) Division/ Buildings and Roads
(North) Division/ Buildings and Roads
(South) Division in Puducherry, Buildings
and Roads Division in
Karaikal/Mahe/Yanam regions.

3. Laying of pipelines along & across

Municipality/Commune Panchayat
Roads/ Gram Panchayat Roads/ Commissioner of concerned
Village Roads/other Road-cutting Municipality/Commune Panchayat
and restoration of Roads

4. Laying of pipelines along & across Concerned Estate Officers of PWD will be
water bodies – cutting and Executive Engineers of Irrigation Division
restoration of Roads in Puducherry/ Irrigation and Public
Health Division in Karaikal/
Mahe/Yanam regions.

5. Laying of pipelines along & across District Collector/Regional Administrator

Government land (poramboke land) – (in case of Yanam and Mahe region)
cutting and restoration of Roads

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6. Laying of pipelines along & across Managing Director, PIPDIC and any other
lands owned by PIPDIC & other- agencies responsible for maintaining
cutting and restoration of Roads public roads/water courses etc.

7. Laying of pipelines along & across Railways

Railways – cutting and restoration of
lands.

8. Laying of pipelines along & across Consent from concerned Utility owning
various utilities during cutting and agencies.
restoration of Roads.

9. Laying of pipelines along & across Consent from concerned Utility owning
city water & sewage networks while agencies.
executing cutting and restoration of
Roads

10. Prior to laying intimation and Urban Local bodies, Fire service & Traffic
approval for work execution. police, Electricity, Telecommunication

11. Allocation of Government land for District Collector, Puducherry/Karaikal

setting up District
DRS/CGS/LCNG/DCS/SRS and
issue of NOC for setting up CGS & Regional Administrator, Mahe/Yanam
LCNG facilities Region

12. Approval for retrofitter agencies Transport Commissioner /

Regional Transport Officer

3.4.1. Though the above list of various permissions required for

establishing the CGD network and the permission issuing
authorities concerned are exhaustive, this CGD policy is
applicable for other road/land/utilities owning Agencies
concerned, whose names are not mentioned above, but
involved in this permission issuing process.
3.4.2. As the prescribed format for issuing permission vary from case-
to-case, based on the type of utilities along which the pipelines
are laid, the concerned agencies shall issue the permission as
per applicable format utilized by them in other cases, along

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 with applicable terms and conditions, so as to ensure timely
issuance of permission and also to ensure the quality of work
executed by the CGD entities as per the guidelines issued to
them in a safe manner, without causing any inconvenience to
the general public.

3.5. Standardisation of Permission issuance mechanisms:

3.5.1. CGD Infrastructure-Authorised Implementing Agencies
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG),
Government of India has authorized the following entities to lay,
build, operate or expand city or local Natural Gas Distribution
Networks in the following 4 Geographical areas in the Union
Territory of Puducherry.

Geographical Area
S.No Authorized Entity
(GA)
1 Puducherry East Coast Natural Gas
Distribution Private Limited
2 Karaikal Torrent Gas Private Limited
3 Mahe Indian Oil-Adani Gas Private
Limited
4 Yanam HCG Yanam Private Limited

3.5.2. The Government of Puducherry finds it expedient and essential

to formulate uniform policy/guidelines elaborating financial
mechanisms, institutional mechanisms for faster
permissions/approvals, technical parameters of trenching and
restoration and liabilities of parties, etc., for timely execution of
CGD projects in the public interest. Apart from the above
targets vis-a-vis CGD entities, this policy applies to all further
City Gas Distribution projects/entities also awarded through
PNGRB.
3.5.3. The enforceability of permissions granted is restricted to the
extent of provisions and scope of services defined in the license
agreement with PNGRB executed by CGD entities.
3.5.4. Subject to the guidelines of PNGRB the CGD entities shall not
claim any exclusive right on the RoW (Right of Way) on which
the CGD network is established and subsequent user agencies
shall be permitted to use the RoW, subject to the technical
requirement being fulfilled.
3.5.5. The Directorate of Information Technology, Puducherry has
notified an order vide G.O.Ms.No.2/DIT/2021/2242,
dated 22-02-2021, wherein, the existing policy has been
amended in order to be in alignment with the provisions
contained in the Indian Telegraph Right of Ways Rules, 2016.
The Clause No 3.(i) of the above said Government Order states

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 that “No other fees/charges shall be levied by the respective
authorities other than those prescribed in the Indian Telegraph
Right of Way Rules, 2016 while giving permission for
establishment of telecom infrastructure”. The CGD policy
adopts the above said clause in terms of charges to the CGD
entities in establishing underground Gas Pipelines. Accordingly,
in adoption of the Indian Telegraph Right of Ways Rules, 2016,
the CGD entities shall be charged one thousand rupees per
Kilometer for establishing underground Gas Pipelines as
Administrative Expenses to be paid to the respective
Authorities concerned.
3.5.6. Every application submitted by the CGD entities shall be
supported with the following documents to expedite the
permission issuance process by the Departments concerned:
3.5.6.1. Detailed description of Route & location details for the
distribution pipeline alignments.
3.5.6.2. Work execution plan/phasing of the plan for
uninterrupted work execution.
3.5.6.3. Details on the proposed methodology section-wise/area
wise taking local factors into consideration.
3.5.6.4. Submission of alternate route plan in case of fouling
with existing above or underground utilities recorded
during the initial survey stage itself.
3.5.6.5. Requisite undertakings for protection of existing utilities
and undertakings as sought by the concerned
authorities for according the “In principle approval”.
3.5.6.6. Alignment maps & trench cross section/Bell hole details
etc.
3.5.6.7. Surface-wise length of road cutting proposed and
number of crossings etc.,
3.5.6.8. Safety precautionary measures envisaged for adoption
during execution of the work at the site.
3.5.7. High & Medium pressure steel pipelines will be laid
predominantly along State Highways/MDR/Main city roads
and other roads under Municipalities/Commune Panchayats,
etc. The medium and low pressure MDPE pipeline will be laid
predominantly in all by-lanes in addition to main roads as a
last mile delivery point by the CGD entities.
3.5.8. After careful consideration, the Government of Puducherry
hereby issues the following guidelines /instructions in regard
to uniform restoration charges based on the methodology
proposed to be adopted by CGD entities as per the permission
issued by the authorities concerned in line with the prevailing
site conditions and safety requirements:

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3.5.8.1. Detailed CGD network implementation proposal shall be
submitted by CGD entities in advance to the District
Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) comprising:
3.5.8.1.1. Route maps for the distribution pipelines
alignment
3.5.8.1.2. Year-wise MWP (Minimum Work Program)
3.5.8.1.3. Methodology (open cut/HDD) proposed to be
adopted at various stretches.
3.5.8.1.4. Safety measures envisaged at different stages
starting from material construction to connection
at the consumer end.
3.5.8.1.5. Information on the number of land parcels with
location and extent details for establishing
DRS/PRS/SV/CNG/LCNG stations shall be
initially surveyed by the CGD entities with the
Departments concerned prior to joint inspection
and process of applications by the Departments
concerned.
3.5.8.2. CGD entities shall submit application forms in original
along with requisite details to the concerned District
Level Monitoring Committees and Departments/Agencies
concerned of Government of Puducherry for steel and
MDPE pipeline network along with the methodology of
laying of pipelines & drawings for various stretches as
per prevailing site conditions facilitating speedy scrutiny
of applications and issuance of “In principle” approval
for early commencement of work.

3.5.8.3. Steel and MDPE pipeline laying methodology and

applicable charges levying mechanism:
3.5.8.3.1. The Choice of choosing a methodology for laying
the steel & MDPE pipelines shall be with the CGD
entities concerned except when the roads are
proposed to be laid / relaid by the road owning
authorities during that year as part of their
annual work plan. The CGD entities shall adopt
‘Self Dig and Restoration method’.
3.5.8.3.2. In case of “Self-Dig & restoration” by the CGD
entity based on prevailing site conditions, the
CGD entities, at their risk and cost shall restore
the roads as per the technical specification
specified by the permission issuing authority. In
this case, the CGD entity shall also submit the
security deposit for 12 months in the form of a
Bank Guarantee @ 100% of the total restoration
charges calculated on the basis of the cost per

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 square meter rate fixed by the Government of
Puducherry for corresponding categories of roads
before the commencement of the work. The Bank
Guarantee shall be released on issuance of NOC
for satisfactory completion of road restoration
works from concern road owning authority and on
submission of a new Bank Guarantee equal to
10% of the above said Bank Guarantee as
Performance Bank Guarantee towards the defect
liability period of 12 months, which shall be from
the date of completion of work at the site to the
satisfaction of the concerned road owning
authority. During the defect liability period, if any
damages occur due to faulty restoration, the CGD
entities shall restore the same at their own cost.
The defect liability period shall cease if any work
is carried out in the same stretch by other
Departments/Local Bodies/Agencies etc.. and the
Performance Bank Guarantee shall be released
immediately.
3.5.8.3.3. For laying the Steel/MDPE pipeline network
through HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling)
trenchless method, the cost of restoration charges
shall be limited to entry and exit pits on the
actuals. The restoration methodology shall be on
“Self-dig & restoration” basis by the CGD entity.
The restoration charges shall be limited to only
entry and exit pits calculated @ 1.5 times of pit
sizes. The CGD entity need not pay any upfront
restoration charges separately for the undisturbed
road stretch but shall have to submit the Security
Deposit for 12 months in the form of a Bank
Guarantee for 100% of the total actual restoration
charges calculated for the restoration of entry and
exit pits on the basis of cost per square meter rate
incurred for meeting the technical specifications
as per the permission order before
commencement of work. The basic conditions that
necessitate the adoption of the trenchless method
in various segments shall be issued by the Road
owning authorities.
3.5.8.3.4. The road cut restoration charges are as fixed by
the concerned Department as per Puducherry
Schedule of Rates (PSR). As the charges are on a
fixed basis, no further additional charges and
taxes are leviable by the line Departments. The

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 road-owning authorities may revise the
restoration charges as per the revision of rates in
latest PSR.
3.5.8.3.5. The unit of measurement for restoration charges
shall be calculated for the area of the road in
square meter basis only.
3.5.8.3.6. During the monsoon period the CGD entities shall
not carry out Open Trench method (more than
600 mm) road cutting. However Trenchless and
Micro Trenching method (upto 600 mm) road
cutting may be carried out, provided the CGD
entities shall take adequate measures towards
safety and security and shall restore the damaged
position immediately, if any and in case of
extreme weather also.
3.5.8.3.7. As part of PM-Gati Shakti, the CGD entities shall
also explore the possibilities of laying their CGD
pipeline network along with other works carried
out by line departments simultaneously when
their works are in progress or utilizing their RoW
(Right of way) stretches with proper planning &
coordination with the line departments concerned
in order to eliminate duplication of works and
ease of doing the work execution with the least
inconvenience to the common public.
3.5.8.3.8. The restoration through Self-Dig & restoration by
the CGD entities on roads under various
departments including State Highways, PWD
Roads, Municipality/Commune/Panchayat roads
etc.. shall be allowed to perform the self-dig &
restoration upon submission of 100%. BG.
3.5.8.3.9. The self-dig & restoration modalities of roads
shall be jointly discussed and executed in close
coordination with concerned road owning
authorities and the CGD entities.
3.5.8.3.10. The CGD entities apart from executing the self-dig
& restoration works longitudinally along the roads,
shall also execute the stretches where the
domestic pipelines are also proposed to be laid to
the residences under self-dig & restoration
mechanism or trenchless methodology basis as
per prevailing site conditions.
3.5.8.3.11. The CGD entities apart from executing the trench
works limited to a width of 600 mm approximately,
shall execute actual restoration of the blacktop
overlapping with the undisturbed stretches of

15
 roads as well and measurement shall be
undertaken accordingly for arriving at actual
restoration charges. Moreover, the Departments
concerned shall extend their assistance for the
supervision of works on the blacktop surface
based on the request from the CGD entities.
3.5.8.3.12. The HDD and the restoration work shall be done
by the CGD entities only under the supervision of
the concerned authority and there shall not be
any damages caused to the utilities provided in
the said roads.

3.6. Protection of existing above and underground utilities:

3.6.1. It is the responsibility of all CGD entities to coordinate and
collect the route map & associated details of underground
Utilities/essential service water lines, sewerage systems,
telecommunication lines, other pipelines and electricity supply
lines, etc. along with site supervision required by CGD entity
prior to commencement of work. Also, it is the responsibility of
the CGD entity to intimate the concerned supervisory
authority/department of such utilities concerned before
undertaking the digging work.
3.6.2. It is the responsibility of all CGD entities to submit the details
of the work execution plan along with the route map &
associated details of all the underground utilities/essential
services like water lines, sewage systems, telecommunication
lines, other pipelines, and electricity supply lines, etc., to the
DLMC in advance, so as to facilitate the line department
concerned to assess their existing underground utilities and
advice the level of protection to be taken by CGD entities
during the execution of the fieldwork.
3.6.3. CGD entity shall ensure the protection of existing above-
ground and underground utilities. Necessary precautions are
to be taken by the CGD entity for safeguarding and
maintaining all other existing utilities falling in the Pipeline
alignment including to make good in case of any damage within
24 hours at their own risk and cost. It shall be the
responsibility of the CGD entity to coordinate with other related
agencies concerned whose utilities are falling in the pipeline
alignment. The CGD entity shall indemnify the Department
concerned by all means against damage to already existing
cables/underground installations/Utilities/facilities etc. during
the execution of the work at the site.
3.6.4. The CGD entities shall carry out the works without
interrupting the traffic and causing inconvenience to the
general public and prior intimation shall be given to all the

16
 authorities concerned in advance before the commencement of
the work at the site.
3.6.5. CGD entity shall ensure strict adherence to all safety
guidelines, special terms & conditions apart from general
conditions issued along with permission from the Departments
concerned. All precautionary measures, such as providing sign
boards, warning tapes, fencing, lights, etc., shall be ensured at
the sites by the CGD entity to prevent any accidents or near-
miss incidents to pedestrians and vehicular traffic.

3.6.6. The minimum allowable depth of cover for CGD Steel Pipeline:

(as per PNRGB Guidelines)

S.No. Details of Location Minimum cover of

depth (in meters)

1 Normal/rocky terrain 1.0

2 Minor/unlined canal/nala 1.5

crossings, tidal areas and other
water courses

3 Major river crossings 2.5

4 Rivers with Rocky bed 1.5

5 Drainage ditches at roadways and 1.0

rail loads

6 Rocky areas 1.0

7 Cased/uncased road crossing 1.2

8 Cased railroad crossing 1.7

Notes:

1. Cover shall be measured from the top of the coated pipe

to the top of the undisturbed surface of the soil or the
top of the graded working strip, whichever is lower. The
fill material in the working strip shall not be considered
in the depth of cover.

2. For River / Watercourses that are prone to scour and /

or erosion, the specified cover shall be measured from
the expected lowest bed profile after scouring / erosion.
Where scour level cannot be established, an additional

17
 cover of minimum 1 meter shall be provided from the
existing bed of the river/watercourse.

3. The cover shall be measured from the top of road or top

of rail, as the case may be. Whenever the above
provisions of cover cannot be provided due to site
constraints, additional protection in form of casing/
concreting etc. shall be provided.
4. Clearance and casing requirements for buried steel
pipelines and mains and clearance between pipelines
or mains and other underground structures shall be in
strict compliance with the corresponding clauses
stipulated in PNGRB Notifications dated 27.08.2008 and
its latest amendments G.S.R.612(E).

3.7. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the accommodation of

city gas distribution network along and across roads maintained
by various Departments:

3.7.1. Procedure for processing application for granting

permission for use of Right of Way (RoW):

3.7.1.1. The CGD entity shall make application to the Road

Owning authority for the Right of Way (RoW).

3.7.1.2. The following details and documents must be submitted

with the application:
3.7.1.2.1. Name of the road
3.7.1.2.2. Division of the road
3.7.1.2.3. Type:Road/footpath/CC road/Berms/Earthern
Portion
3.7.1.2.4. Length, Width & Depth of the road cut required
3.7.1.2.5. Nature of the road cut (open/trenchless
technology)
3.7.1.2.6. Sketch and location of the road where the cut has
to be made
3.7.1.2.7. Self-restoration/Departmental restoration.

3.7.1.3. After a joint field survey, the concerned line Department

shall issue permission to the respective utility service
provider with the conditions imposed by the Department
to ensure a safe and uninterrupted flow of traffic. The
utility service provider shall be designated as a ‘Licensee’
for the purpose of this project and will be authorized to
install and operate utility services within the RoW.
However, utility services shall be made operational by

18
 the Licensee only after an NOC ( No Objection Certificate)
to the effect is issued by the Department concerned.

3.7.2. Laying of Utility Services:

3.7.2.1. Laying of Utility Services along the Roads:

The Utility services shall be located, beyond the toe line
of the embarkment and drains, as close to the extreme
edge of the road as possible.

3.7.2.1.1. Towards this, the top of the utility services shall

be as per the PNGRB norms.
3.7.2.1.2. No utility service charges shall be laid over
existing culverts and bridges, except through the
utility ducts where such provision exists. In case
of absence of such provisions, the Licensee shall
make his own arrangements for the crossing of
cross drainage structures, rivers, etc below the
bed.
3.7.2.1.3. In exceptional cases, where RoW is restricted the
utility services can be allowed beneath the
carriageway(BT Surface), subject to the conditions
as per IRC & PNGRB norms, which will be
designed to carry traffic on top. In such cases, it
also needs to be ensured that maintenance of the
utility services shall not interfere with the safe
and smooth flow of traffic. The cost of operation
and maintenance will have to be borne by the
Licensee.
3.7.2.2. Laying of Utility Services across the Roads:

3.7.2.2.1. The utility services shall be permitted to cross the

Roads preferably using Trenchless technology
(Horizontal drilling method). The casing/conduit
pipe should be minimum extended from drain to
drain in cuts, toe of slope to toe of slope in the
fills and shall be designed in accordance with the
provision of IRC and executed following the
Specifications of the MoRTH.
3.7.2.2.2. Existing drainage structures shall not be allowed
to carry the lines across. The utility services shall
cross the Roads preferably on a line normal to it
or as nearly so as practicable.
3.7.2.2.3. The casing/conduit pipe may be installed under
the road embankment either by boring or digging

19
 a trench installation by the boring method
preferably.

3.7.2.2.4. In the case of trenching, the sides of the trench

should be done as nearly vertical as possible. The
trench width should be at least 300 mm wider
(but not more than 600 mm wider) than the outer
diameter of the utility pipe. Filling of the trench
shall conform to the specifications contained
here-in-below or as supplied by the road owning
Authority:
3.7.2.2.4.1. The bedding shall be to a depth not less
than 300 mm. It shall consist of granular
material, free of lumps, clods and cobbles,
and graded to yield a firm surface without
a sudden change in the bearing value.
Unsuitable soil and rock edges should be
excavated and replaced by selected
material.
3.7.2.2.4.2. The backfill shall be completed in two
stages (1) Side-fill to the level of the top of
the pipe (2) Overfill to the bottom of the
road crust.
3.7.2.2.4.3. The side fill shall consist of granular
material laid in 150 mm. Layers each
consolidated by mechanical tramping and
controlled addition of moisture to 95% of
the modified Proctor’s density. Overfill shall
be compacted to the same density as the
material that had been removed.
3.7.2.2.4.4. The road crust shall be built to the same
strength as the existing crust on either side
of the trench or to the thickness and
specifications stipulated by the road owing
Authority.
3.7.2.2.4.5. When utilities are allowed aboveground,
the horizontal and vertical clearance in
accordance with the PNGRB guidelines
shall be maintained.

3.7.3. Restoration Methods

3.7.3.1. Self-Restoration Methods

The following methodology is to be adopted for Self-
restoration:

20
3.7.3.1.1. Self-Dig and restoration mechanism is carried out
at the risk and cost of the utility entities by
meeting the technical specification specified by
the permission issuing authority.
3.7.3.1.2. The utility entities should submit the security
deposit for 12 months in the form of a Bank
Guarantee at 100% of the total restoration
charges.
3.7.3.1.3. Restoration shall be carried out under the
supervision of the departmental officials to restore
it to the original condition.
3.7.3.1.4. If the Licensee fails to comply with any condition
to the reasonable satisfaction of the Authority, the
same shall be executed by the Authority at the
cost and risk of the Licensee.
3.7.3.1.5. Grant of License is subject to the Licensee
satisfying (a) minimum disruption of traffic and (b)
least damage to the road.
3.7.3.1.6. As far as possible, the Licensee should avoid
cutting of the road for crossing Highway, and
other roads and try to carry out the work by
trenchless technology. In case any damage is
caused to the road pavement in this process, the
Licensee shall restore the road to its original
condition at its cost.
3.7.3.1.7. If due to unavoidable reasons the road needs to
be cut for crossing or laying utility services, the
Licensee has to execute the work in a time-bound
manner at its cost, either by itself or through its
authorized representative in consultation with the
Authority as per predetermined time schedule and
quality standards.
3.7.3.1.8. All required restoration and maintenance work
subsequent to the laying of utility services shall
be required to be undertaken by the Licensee at
its cost either by itself or through its authorized
representative in consultation with the Authority
as per the predetermined time schedule and
quality standards. To process for the granting of
permission a Performance Bank Guarantee for an
amount based on per square metre with a validity
of one year initially, in the prescribed format
(extendable if required till satisfactory completion
of work) shall have to be furnished by the utility
service provider/Licensee as security against the
improper restoration of ground in terms of

21
 filling/unsatisfactory compaction damages caused
to other underground installations/utility services,
interference, interruption, disruption or failure
caused thereof to any services, etc.
3.7.3.1.9. In case the Licensee fails to discharge the
obligation of making good of the excavated
trench/other restoration work, the Authority shall
have a right to make good the damages caused by
the excavation at the cost of the Licensee, and
recover the amount by forfeiture of the bank
Guarantee.

3.7.3.2. Departmental Restoration:

For Departmental restoration, the Utility entities

should pay the upfront restoration charges as
fixed by the concerned departments as per
existing PSR and there is no need for Bank
Guarantee.

3.7.4. Methodology for grant of Permission

The Licensee shall apply in the prescribed format to the DLMC

and the concerned land owning Authorities for usage of RoW
for laying CGD Networks. On receipt of application from the
licensee:

3.7.4.1.1. Joint inspection shall be carried out to assess the

feasibility of the Self-Dig and restoration
methodology.
3.7.4.1.2. Road Owning Department will issue the demand
and licensee shall submit the security deposit for
12 months in the form of a Bank Guarantee @
100% of the total restoration charges calculated
on the basis of the cost per square meter rate
fixed by the Government of Puducherry for
corresponding categories of roads before the
commencement of the work. The Bank Guarantee
shall be released on issuance of NOC for
satisfactory completion of road restoration works
from concern road owning Authority and on
submission of a new Bank Guarantee equal to
10% of the above said Bank Guarantee as
Performance Bank Guarantee towards the defect
liability period of 12 months, which shall be from
the date of completion of work at the site to the

22
 satisfaction of the concerned road owning
authority. During the defect liability period, if any
damages occur due to faulty restoration, the CGD
entities shall restore the same at their own cost.
The defect liability period shall cease if any work
is carried out in the same stretch by other
Dept./Local Bodies/Agencies etc.. and the
Performance Bank Guarantee shall be released
immediately.
3.7.4.1.3. The Work shall be carried out under the
supervision Road Owning Department Officials
and on getting NOC, the defect liability period of
12 months will commence.
3.7.4.1.4. Self-Dig and restoration methodology shall be
carried and as per the specified standards and
specifications.
3.7.4.1.5. Self-Dig and restoration methodology is applicable
on roads under various departments including
State Highways, PWD Roads,
Municipality/Commune/Panchayat Roads etc. as
per the specified standards and specifications.

3.7.5. The following guidelines/norms shall be followed during

and after the execution of the road cuts :

Licensee to lay utility services after obtaining permission subject to

the following conditions, namely :
3.7.5.1. RoW permissions are only enabling in nature. The
purpose of extending the way leave facility on the RoW is
not for enhancing the score of activity of a utility service
provider, either by content or by intent. Further,
enforceability of the permission so granted shall be
restricted only to the extent of provisions/scope of
activities for the purpose for which it is granted.
3.7.5.2. No Licensee shall claim exclusive right on the RoW and
any subsequent user will be permitted to use the RoW,
either above or below, or by the side of the utilities laid
by the first user, subject to technical requirements being
fulfilled. The decision of the Authority in relation to
fulfillment of technical requirements shall be final and
binding on all concerned parties. In case any
disruption/damage is caused to any existing user by the
subsequent user, the Authority shall not be held
accountable or liable in any manner.
3.7.5.3. The Licensee shall be responsible for undertaking all
activities including but not limited to site identification,

23
 survey, design, engineering, arranging finance, project
management, obtaining regulatory approvals and
necessary clearances, supply of equipment, material,
construction, erection, testing and commissioning,
maintenance and operation and all other activities
essential or required for efficient functioning of their own
utility/industrial infrastructure facilities.
3.7.5.4. The utility services shall be laid at the edge of road. In
case of restricted width of RoW, which may be adequate
only to accommodate the carriageway, central verge,
shoulders, slopes of embankment, drains, other road
side furniture etc; the utility services shall be laid
beyond the toe line of the embankments and clear of the
drain.
3.7.5.5. The Licensee shall make his own arrangement for the
crossing of cross drainage structures, rivers, etc. below
the bed. In case, this is not feasible, the utility services
may be carried outside the railings/parapets and the
bridge superstructure. The fixing and supporting
arrangement with all details shall be required to be
approved in advance from the concerned Administration.
Additional cost on account of fixing and supporting
arrangement as assessed by the Authority shall be
payable by the Licensee.
3.7.5.6. The road crust shall be built to the same strength as the
existing crust on either side of the trench or to thickness
and specifications stipulated by the Authority.
3.7.5.7. The Licensee shall ensure making good the excavated
trench for laying utility services by proper filling and
compaction, clearing debris/loose earth produced due to
excavation of trenching at least 50m away from the edge
of the right of way.
3.7.5.8. All work subsequent to the laying of the pipe shall be
required to be undertaken by the Licensee at its cost
either by itself or through its authorized representative
in consultation with the Authority as per the
predetermined time schedule and quality standards.
3.7.5.9. In case of shifting of the utility services due to
improvement/widening of road or construction of
flyover/bridge the road owning Authority shall submit
the detailed proposal for shifting to the District Level
Monitoring Committee. Based on the recommendation of
the Committee, the Authority shall issue the notice for
shifting. The restoration of the road/land to its original
condition shall be at the own cost and risk of the CGD
entities.

24
3.7.5.10. The Licensee shall be responsible to ascertain from the
respective agency in co-ordination with Authority
regarding the location of other utilities/underground
installations/facilities etc. The Licensee shall ensure the
safety and security of already existing underground
installations/utilities/facilities, etc. before
commencement of the excavation/using the existing
utility ducts. The Licensee shall indemnify against
damages to already existing underground
installations/utilities/facilities etc.
3.7.5.11. The Licensee shall be solely responsible/liable for full
compensation/indemnification of concerned
Agency/Aggrieved Authority for any direct, indirect, or
consequential damage caused to them/claims or
replacements sought for, at the cost and risk of the
Licensee. The concerned Agency in co-ordination with
Authority shall also have a right to make good such
damages/recover the claims by forfeiture of Bank
Guarantee.
3.7.5.12. The Licensee shall inform/give a notice to the agency
concerned designated by the Authority at least 15 days
in advance with the route details prior to digging
trenches for fresh or maintenance/repair works.
3.7.5.13. xiii. The extent of digging the trenches should be
strictly regulated so that utility services are laid and
trenches filled up before the start of the next stretch.
Filling should be completed to the reasonable
satisfaction of the officials concerned designated by the
Authority.
3.7.5.14. The Licensee shall indemnify the agency concerned in
co-ordination with Authority, against all damages and
claims, if any due to the digging of trenches for laying
pipes/ducts.
3.7.5.15. The Authority also has a right to terminate the
permission or to extend the period.
3.7.5.16. The Licensee shall not undertake any work of shifting,
repairs, or alterations to the utility services without prior
written permission of the Authority.
3.7.5.17. The permission granted shall not in any way be deemed
to convey to the Licensees any ownership right or any
interest in route/Road/Highway, land/property, other
than what is herein expressly granted. No use of RoW
will be permitted for any purpose other than that
specified.
3.7.5.18. The utility services located in RoW/property shall be
deemed to have been constructed and continued only by

25
 the consent and permission of the Authority so that the
right of the Licensee to the use thereof shall not become
absolute and indefeasible by lapse of time.
3.7.5.19. Three copies of ‘as laid drawings’ of utilities (hard and
soft copies) with GIS mapping of Gas pipeline laid
(with respect to the roads) and after restoration shall be
submitted to the Authority for verification and record
within a month of completion of works.
3.7.5.20. The utility services shall not be made operational by the
Licensee unless a NOC to the effect that the utility
services has been laid in accordance with the approved
specifications and drawings and the trenches have been
filled up to the reasonable satisfaction of the concerned
Agency in co-ordination with the Authority has been
obtained. Notwithstanding anything contained herein,
this permission may be cancelled at any time by
Authority for breach of any condition of the same and
the Licensee shall neither be entitled to any
compensation for any loss caused to it by such
cancellation, nor shall it be absolved from any liability
already incurred.
3.7.5.21. The Licensee shall ensure adherence to relevant Indian
Standards and follow best industry practices, methods,
and standards for the purpose of ensuring safe, efficient
and economic design, construction, commissioning,
operation, repair and maintenance of any part of the
utility lines/industrial infrastructure facilities and which
practices, methods, and standards shall be adjusted as
necessary to take account of:
3.7.5.21.1. operation, repair, and maintenance guidelines
given by the manufacturers;
3.7.5.21.2. the requirements of Law;
3.7.5.21.3. the physical conditions at the Site, and;
3.7.5.21.4. The safety of operating personnel and human
beings.
3.7.5.22. The Licensee shall have to provide safety measures like
barricading, danger lighting, and other necessary
caution boards while executing the work.
3.7.5.23. While laying utility services, at least one lane of road
shall be kept open to traffic at all times. If any traffic
diversion works are found necessary during the working
period, it shall be provided at the cost of Licensee.
3.7.5.24. Traffic police should be informed in advance and
necessary permission has to be obtained from the traffic
point of view, wherever required. After getting police

26
 permission, the probable date of commencement and
completion date should be informed to the Authority.
3.7.5.25. If chambers are constructed while laying of utilities in
the road, the chamber should be at the road level to
avoid accidents. It shall not be above or below road level
surface.
3.7.5.26. After the permission, if the applicant fails to start the
work and complete within the permitted period, the
permission granted will automatically get cancelled. The
work can be commenced only after revalidation of the
permission by the competent authority.
3.7.5.27. Notwithstanding this, the Licensee shall be liable to pay
full compensation to the aggrieved Authority/its
designated agency for any damage sustained by them by
reason of the exercise of the RoW facility.
3.7.5.28. Within 24 hours of completion, the service
departments/service providers have to inform the
Authority.
3.7.5.29. After the completion of road cut work, the photos and
completion certificate have to be submitted to the
authority by CGD entity.

3.8. Timelines for issuance of permissions/clearances:

3.8.1. Scrutiny of applications submitted by the CGD entities for

seeking clarifications, joint inspection, and additional inputs if
any, shall be done within 10 days of receipt of the application
with requisite details by the department concerned.
3.8.2. The department concerned shall ensure issuance of “In
principle approval” for early work commencement within 15
days of receipt of the application with details, and taking
requisite undertakings from CGD entities pending final
permission. The final permission shall be accorded within 30
days from receipt of the application and payment of the
applicable restoration charges or Bank Guarantee from the
CGD entities.
3.8.3. Adequate time-period for work execution shall be given
considering the quantum of works involved, the length of
stretches, and the criticality of the site conditions involved.
Needful extension of the work execution time-period without
any penalty may be given on a case-to-case basis. The decision
of the Officer-in-charge of the Department concerned is final
and binding on the CGD entities.
3.8.4. Upon satisfactory completion of the field works in compliance
with the terms & conditions and specifications of the
permission order, NOC may be issued to entities within 10

27
 days of receipt of complete details and joint inspection by the
Competent Authority.
3.8.5. It shall be obligatory upon the CGD entities to make the road
motorable – good and safe for movement within 48 hours after
related road works are completed and the full restoration of the
road shall be completed within 30 days of the work completed
to the reasonable satisfaction of the authority concerned.

3.9. Alienation/ lease of land parcel for CGD equipment

(DRS/PRS/SV/CNG/LCNG/CGS station) erection.

3.9.1. As a step towards facilitating early work commencement for

DRS/PRS/SV/CNG/LCNG stations in the Government lands
under the process of allotment/alienation, the district
authorities shall exercise the option of issuance of the “enter
upon permission” for early commencement of work in the
station by the CGD entities within 15 days upon receipt of
requisite details and refundable caution deposit of 10% of the
total estimated cost of land in the form of Bank Guarantee,
which shall be refunded or adjusted at the time of issuance of
final allotment/alienation.
3.9.2. In consideration of the requirement of land to CGD entities for
installation of DRS (District regulating Stations, PRS (pressure
regulating stations), SV (sectionalizing valve) stations,
CNG/LCNG/CGS and other safety-related systems, the
concerned State department shall have the permissible
sanction from Government to lease feasible Government lands
to CGD entities for upto 30 years. The annual lease rent in
such cases shall be payable by the CGD entities as per the new
lease policy of the Government.

4. CNG KIT APPROVAL:

4.1. Fixing of the CNG Kits into a vehicle is predominantly done in two
ways namely factory-fitted kits for new vehicles by Vehicle
manufacturers/OEMs and retrofitted kits fitted in the existing
vehicles currently utilizing gasoline fuel.
4.2. For the retrofitted vehicles, all vehicles shall have a CNG Kit and a
cylinder fitted which is type approved in accordance with the
guidelines of the Ministry of Surface Transport, Government of India,
and installed and tested by a retrofitter agency authorized by the
Transport Commissioner/Regional Transport Office (RTO) of this
Union Territory and get issued a fitness certificate for its suitability
for CNG use. A vehicle once retrofitted also would require an RTO
approval/endorsement on the Registration document before it is
permitted to ply on the roads. These certificates are essential to be
shown to the CNG station operator before each refill of the cylinder.

28
 The cylinder with stainless steel valves and connected facilities fitted
in the vehicle shall be in accordance with Gas Cylinder Rules. These
Cylinders should be subjected to a hydro test at least once every three
years.
4.3. It is essential that qualified people/agencies duly trained by the CNG
kit manufacturers shall have to be deployed sufficiently in the Union
Territory of Puducherry. The CNG kit and its accessories viz.,
stainless steel safety valve & pipes shall be tested by the Automotive
Research Association of India (ARAI)/International Centre for
Automotive Technology (ICAT) and other testing agencies for new
vehicles fitted along with these CNG kits. For retrofitting the CNG Kit,
agencies with expertise need to be developed in the Union Territory for
which needful initiatives shall come from the CGD entities. Necessary
amendments in “The Central Motor Vehicles Rules” are being framed
through the Standing Technical Committee formed under the Ministry
of Surface Transport for registering agencies with expertise in
monitoring the installation of CNG kits. Sufficient qualified CNG kit
manufacturing and retrofit agencies shall also be developed by the
CGD entities in converting Diesel vehicles/buses.
4.4. Effective inspection system shall be introduced, as already a large
number of CNG Buses are currently operating in this country and
numerous such buses are expected to be converted in the next few
years due to the stringent statutory regulations and also a rapid
proliferation of CNG by CGD entities to meet the minimum work
program as prescribed by PNGRB. The Ministry of Road Transport
and Highways (MoRTH) is already in the process of issuing
notifications for expeditious authorization of conversion workshops.
4.5. CGD entities shall collaborate & co-ordinate with CNG kit
manufacturers, Cylinder & fittings manufacturers and explore and
train sufficient retrofitter agencies area wise through the training
institutes developed under the guidance of the Government of
Puducherry. The issuance of type approval & RTO endorsement shall
be within 3 months from the date of issuance of permission for usage
of the CNG Kits.
5. Implementation of safety Measures
5.1. Design of the transmission pipelines and associated facilities involved
in implementing the CGD network shall be in accordance with
PNGRB-T4S, ASME, ANSI, AGA, API, IGE/TD standards &
recommendations, etc. and supported by the relevant international
standards. The material specifications shall follow API, ASTM, ANSI,
AGA ASME IS, MSS-SP, NACE AND DIN standards or as specified by
PNGRB and supported by the relevant international standards.
Anticipated future development shall be taken into account for the
determination of the final location class.
5.2. The location of the Pipeline should be indicated at suitable intervals
by using markers installed above ground at field boundaries, at all the

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 crossings, and wherever the direction of the Pipeline alignment
changes. These markers shall be installed after the mechanical
completion of works and prior to the pre-commissioning of the CGD
network in accordance with API RP 1109.
5.3. Suitable Cathodic Protection system, Odourisation system, efficient
maintenance practice for sub-transmissions, Primary steel network
pipelines, MDPE Pipeline networks, Pipeline Patrolling, Leakage
survey and establishment of Network control centres, etc. shall be in
place prior to full-fledged commissioning of the CGD network by the
CGD entities.
5.4. All CGD entities shall have an “emergency service
Group/emergency response team” positioned at strategic locations.
It is very much an essential and critical requirement for all the CGD
entities to have a dedicated Emergency Response and Disaster
Management Plan (ERDMP) formulated through approved PNGRB
agencies and shall form a part of the overall Disaster Management
Plan under the Chairmanship of the respective District Collector.
5.5. All the CGD entities shall have following location wise contingency
plan for their proposed CGD network implementation:
5.5.1. Third Party damage prevention plan covering Pipeline markers,
Dial before dig, creating safety awareness, effective
advertisement and training, etc.
5.5.2. Action plan-Monsoon focused.
5.5.3. Developing effective leak detection system and carrying out
mobile leak detection surveys.
5.5.4. Action plan for periodical surveys on vegetation, pressure drop,
public building, and green house.
5.6. All the CGD entities to formulate an effective & efficient “Asset
Integrity Plan” with an Asset Integrity Management system &
Integrated Management Plan etc., for their CGD networks to ensure
the safety of the established CGD network to protect the personnel
property, public and environment through requisite
provisions/resources for prevention, detection and mitigation
activities.
5.7. All the CGD entities shall ensure stage wise pre Audit/Inspection of
their CGD network covering all existing and new CGD networks
including Sub transmission pipelines, CGS, Distribution mains,
piping facilities downstream of inlet isolation valve of CGS (inclusive
of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary networks)including customer
meter for commercial and Industrial customers upto the final
isolation valve including connecting hose to the Gas appliances for the
domestic customers as per applicable Statutory norms viz., T4S Audit,
Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) audit, auditing/evaluation of
Asset Integrity Management system, and other provisions made as
necessary including statutory approvals from PESO department.

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 5.8. The CGD entity shall take third party insurance policy coverage for
any kind of mishap/accidents occurred to General Public in addition
to the employees / workers involved in the CGD project.

6. Adoption of CNG/LNG as the preferred fuel

6.1. To promote the usage of Clean and Green fuel, CNG/LNG in the
transportation sector, the thrust shall be made to make CNG/LNG a
preferred transportation fuel in public transportation. The CGD
entities shall evolve suitable mechanisms in organizing the
Public/Industries awareness campaign in consultation with the
District authorities.
6.2. Needful guidelines shall be issued for the Transport Department to
encourage the possibilities of CNG/LNG buses while purchasing new
buses and retrofitting the present alternative fuel fleet (which is
viable), in order to actively promote the usage of the CNG/LNG public
transport in a phased manner, based on the CGD infrastructure
developed by concerned the CGD entities for the respective GAs.
6.3. Needful guidelines will be issued to encourage the possibilities of
converting vehicles being utilized/engaged by the Government
Departments (Cars, Buses, Ambulances, Delivery Vans, Goods
Carriers, etc) to CNG vehicles in a phased manner, wherever the CNG
infrastructure is made available by the CGD entities.
6.4. New Industries along with its allied facilities shall be encouraged to
use Natural Gas instead of the liquid/solid fuels through the
departments concerned based on the establishment of requisite CGD
infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted Gas supply to the
industries by the CGD entities concerned.
6.5. To encourage the adoption of Natural Gas as Green and clean fuel by
the Government Departments/local bodies/concerned authorities,
requisite guidelines shall be issued for wider usage of the environment
friendly Natural Gas by all the segments of consumers, i.e., residential,
industrial and commercial establishments, based on the
establishment of the requisite CGD infrastructure, and ensuring the
uninterrupted Gas supply to the Industries by the CGD entities
concerned.
6.6. Applicable policy guidelines in this regard shall be issued for the
effective implementation of this fuel conversion process in phased
manner based on the readiness of the CGD infrastructure by the CGD
entities.
6.7. LNG has the potential to address persistent requirements of a clean
and environment-friendly fuel because of its low level of harmful
emissions.LNG is approximately 15% to 25% cheaper than diesel,
which will lead to savings in the operational cost for shipping
companies and Fishing vessels. The state level committee shall make

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 efforts to facilitate the creation of LNG bunkering facility at
appropriate places under the conversion of fishing vessels to LNG by
providing the suitable incentives.

6.8. Conversion of Diesel Generator in Telecom Service Towers in the

Authorised area with Gas generators:
Telecom towers are located all over the Union Territory of Puducherry
and draw primary and back up energy from a myriad of Conventional
sources. With the implementation of CGD networks, Government of
Puducherry shall be bringing in appropriate rules/regulations and
initiate measures to facilitate the usage of Natural Gas based
generators by all telecom operators, especially in urban areas, for an
environment friendly alternative, at a lower cost. The State-Level
Committee shall facilitate conversion of diesel sets to CNG generators
by bringing in appropriate rules/regulations. The CGD entities shall
submit the required details to facilitate the facility by furnishing the
detailed mechanisms proposed for supply of natural Gas to these
segments spread all over the areas. Upon receipt of the requisite
proposals from CGD entities, applicable policy guidelines in this regard,
shall be issued.

7. CBuD app:

This policy shall emphasis the usage of the Call Before u Dig (CBuD) app
developed by BISAG-N as stated below.

7.1. CBuD mobile app provides an interface for excavating agencies/

contractors to alert / inform owners of existing utility assets about
their upcoming excavation route.
7.2. The underground / utility asset owners such as electricity cables,
water pipe, gas pipe etc are to map their underline assets with GIS
coordinates on PM Gati Shakti portal.
7.3. All Excavation agencies are mandated by the Government of
Puducherry to use this app.

8. Grievance Redressal Mechanism:

8.1. The CGD entity should resolve all the complaints / issues raised by
the General Public / Authority / other Public utilities within specified
time period.
8.2. The complaint lodged shall be forwarded to the one concerned CGD
entity and the CGD entity shall address the same and submit the
compliance against each complaint within seven (07) days to the
District Nodal Officer.

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 8.3. The District Nodal Officer shall review all the complaints / grievances
lodged by the public / Authority / CGD Entity on Quarterly basis.
9. Overall Terms and Conditions
9.1. For clarification/resolution of interpretation of any term and/or
dispute relating to the function of any provisions under this policy
shall have to be referred to the Department of Industries and
Commerce, Puducherry and the decision of the Department in this
regard shall be the final and binding on all
9.2. No right or claim of any incentive/privileges under this policy shall be
deemed to have been conferred merely on the ground of the provision
in the Policy. Implementation of various provisions covering the
incentives, concessions, etc., shall be subject to the issue of detailed
guidelines/statutory notifications, wherever necessary in respect of
each item by the Department concerned.
9.3. The department shall reserve right to amend any provision of the
policy with the approval of the Government, keeping in view of the
guidelines issued by the Central Government/Government of
Puducherry from time to time.
10. Abbreviations

S.N. Abb. Description

1 AGA American Gas Association

2 API American Petroleum Institute

3 ANSI American National Standard Institute

4 ARAI Automotive Research Association of India

5 ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers

6 ASTM American Society for Testing & Materials

7 CAGR Cumulative Average Growth Rate

8 CBG Compressed Bio Gas

9 CGD City Gas Distribution

10 CGS City Gas Station

11 CNG Compress Natural Gas

12 CSR Corporate Social Responsibility

13 DCS Decompressed Skid

14 DIN Deutshces Institute for Nornung (German Institute for Standardization)

15 DLMC District Level Monitory Committee

16 DRS District Regulating Station

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17 ERDMP Emergency Response Disaster Management Plan

18 GA Geographical Area

19 GoI Government of India

20 HDD Horizontal Directional Drilling

21 ICAT International Centre for Automotive Technology

22 ICF International Code Safety for Ships using Gases

23 IS Indian Standards

24 IIPC Industries, Investment Promotion & Commerce

25 LCNG Liquified Compressed Natural Gas

26 LNG Liquified Natural Gas

27 MDPE Medium Density Poly Ethylene

28 MDR Major District Roads

29 MoEF & CC Ministry of Environmental Forest and Climate Change

30 MoPNG Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

31 MoRTH Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

32 MoUD Ministry of Urban Development

33 MRS Metering Regulating System

34 MSS-SP Manufacturers Standardization Society of Standard Practise

35 MWP Minimum Work Programme

36 NHAI National Highways Authority of India

37 NOC No Objection Certificate

38 OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer

39 OISD Oil Industry Safety Directorate

40 PESO Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation

41 PNG Pipeline Natural Gas

42 PNGRB Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board

43 PRS Pressure Regulating Station

44 PSR Puducherry Schedule of Rates

45 RTO Regional Transport Officer

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46 SLA Service Level Agreement

47 SV Sectionalise Value

48 SR Service Regulator

49 SOP Standard Operating Procedure

50 WRO Water Resource Organisation

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