Military establishments in Pune set to fully switch to PNG; MNGL completes 33km pipeline network

Pune: The sprawling military establishments and residential areas under the Dakshin Maharashtra and Goa Sub Area are set to become LPG-free within the next few months. This transition follows the near-completion of a major piped natural gas (PNG) network by Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) across the region's defence zones.Army officials stated that the ambitious project — aimed at providing an uninterrupted and safer cooking fuel supply to military families and key institutions — is now in its final phase after nearly a year of extensive pipeline work."The work is in its final stages, and we expect to receive piped gas within a few months. It will provide significant relief to the nearly 20,000 people residing in these military areas," a senior Army officer from the Dakshin Maharashtra and Goa Sub Area told TOI.MNGL has already completed a 33-km underground pipeline network covering residential pockets, training institutes, and operational establishments across Pune's cantonment and defence areas. Currently, cooking gas requirements are met via LPG cylinders distributed through Army supply depots and private vendors.The transition is expected to drastically reduce the logistical burden of transporting and distributing over 3,000 cylinders every month. Officials noted that the PNG system would ensure a constant fuel supply to large defence cookhouses and training facilities that operate 24/7.Key institutions slated for connection include the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), the Army Sports Institute (ASI), and the Army Institute of Physical Training (AIPT), along with several residential complexes.Defence officials highlighted that the need for a more reliable fuel system became evident during recent geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Concerns over potential disruptions in the LPG supply chain prompted a shift towards more secure, localised infrastructure."While our supply remained smooth during past international tensions, there was always a lingering concern that external factors could affect the chain. A piped network mitigates that risk," the officer added.Beyond energy security, the PNG network is expected to enhance safety standards and operational efficiency by eliminating the need for bulk cylinder storage and handling within sensitive military zones. Once fully operational, Pune's military areas will be among the few large defence clusters in India to rely almost entirely on a piped gas-based cooking system.Extension to civilian areas under considerationFollowing the successful installation of the military network, cantonment officials are contemplating extending the MNGL pipeline to civilian sectors."Once the military zone system is operational, we will move forward with a proposal for civilian areas. Given the high concentration of restaurants, eateries, and commercial complexes in these pockets, piped gas would offer a significant commercial advantage," a senior official said.