Thu Dec 11 14:27:13 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry is pushing for upgrades to compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations in coastal Karnataka and nationwide to reduce wait times for vehicles, particularly autorickshaws. The Ministry has directed City Gas Distribution (CGD) agencies to transition “Daughter Booster” (offline) CNG stations to “Mother Booster” (online) stations, which receive CNG directly from pipelines for a more consistent supply. While some queues at CNG stations are unavoidable, CGD entities are working to improve efficiency by installing more dispensers and coordinating gas supply. The expansion of CNG infrastructure is part of a larger nationwide plan to establish a comprehensive gas grid, with thousands of CNG stations already opened and more planned by 2034. A significant network of natural gas pipelines is also under development to support the expansion.

News Article:

Karnataka CNG Stations to Get Upgrade to Reduce Wait Times

Mangaluru, December 11, 2025 – Long queues at compressed natural gas (CNG) stations in coastal Karnataka, particularly impacting autorickshaw drivers, are set to ease following a directive from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry. Union Minister of State for PNG Suresh Gopi announced in Lok Sabha that the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has instructed City Gas Distribution (CGD) agencies to upgrade their retail CNG dispensing units, known as “Daughter Booster” stations, to “Mother Booster” stations.

The move aims to address concerns raised by Kota Srinivas Poojary regarding delays in establishing new CNG distribution points and the resulting congestion. Unlike Daughter Booster stations which rely on CNG deliveries via lorries, Mother Booster stations receive a continuous supply directly from underground natural gas pipelines. This will eliminate the need for constant refilling and potentially faster gas input for vehicles.

“While occasional queues may occur during peak hours, CGD entities are actively working to enhance CNG station efficiency,” stated Minister Gopi. These efforts include installing more dispenser units and improving gas supply coordination.

The upgrades are part of a broader national strategy to develop a comprehensive natural gas grid. The PNGRB has authorized CGD network development in 307 Geographical Areas across the country. While CGD entities are obligated to establish 18,336 CNG stations nationwide by 2034, 8,357 stations have already been opened. Furthermore, the Ministry has authorized the development of 34,233 km of natural gas pipeline network in the country. So far, 25,429 km pipeline is operational and 10,459 km pipeline is under construction.

The ministry anticipates the transition to upgraded stations will significantly improve CNG availability and reduce waiting times for consumers.

Read More