Surat Municipal Corporation Grants Night Work Permission to Gujarat Gas for Pipeline Expansion
In a move to expedite the expansion of the city gas distribution network, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has granted permission to Gujarat Gas, the gas distribution company, to continue excavation and pipeline-laying work at night for a period of one month, starting from March 18. This decision was made as a special case, taking into account the prevailing global situation and government instructions.
Decision Driven by Global Factors and Government Directives
The approval for night operations was not taken lightly. Civic officials emphasized that it was a response to the current global context, which has prompted urgent measures to enhance infrastructure resilience. The company has been explicitly directed to implement all necessary safety protocols during the execution of the work to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions.
Accelerating Gas Distribution Rollout Across the City
According to SMC officials, the primary goal of this decision is to facilitate a faster rollout of the city gas distribution system throughout Surat. Since March 1, the municipal corporation has received approximately 24 applications from Gujarat Gas across various zones, and all of these have been cleared to support the rapid expansion efforts.
Streamlined Approvals and Operational Relaxations
To further boost efficiency, SMC has introduced a mandatory provision to grant approval for all new permissions within 24 hours. Additionally, orders have been issued to provide relief in road restoration and permission charges applicable within the municipal limits. Installation agencies are now permitted to restore public property at their own cost after submitting the required undertaking.
Round-the-Clock Operations with Enhanced Safety Measures
The corporation has significantly relaxed working-hour restrictions, allowing agencies to operate round the clock, provided they maintain proper safety arrangements. At select locations, operational relaxations have also been granted to ensure seamless progress. This comprehensive approach aims to balance speed with safety, ensuring that the gas network expansion proceeds without compromising on public welfare.
