Many residents in the Sakinaka region of Mumbai report prolonged delays in obtaining Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections, despite the installation of necessary pipeline infrastructure years ago. These concerns have been echoed by local bakeries, which also face similar issues in securing gas supplies. In particular, the Shiv Prabha housing society has been waiting since 2010 after applying for PNG. Although pipelines were laid within the building approximately seven years ago, the gas supply has yet to begin. Residents point to a lack of communication from authorities regarding the delays, which have persisted for over a decade.

Manoj Bhor, a member of the Shiv Prabha society, has been actively pursuing updates from officials since the initial application. He noted that there had been little progress until 2025. In an email received on March 27, 2026, they were informed that a Medium Pressure distribution system was being developed on the Andheri–Ghatkopar Link Road. This plan indicated that an additional 70-meter pipeline would be necessary to connect their building. Bhor raised concerns about the logic behind the installation of internal pipelines prior to confirming technical feasibility, asking why these measures were taken if the feasibility studies were still ongoing.

Approximately 500 residents across various housing societies in the area are currently awaiting PNG connections. The Shiv Prabha society comprises 56 households, while neighboring Shiv Prerna has 59. Other affected societies include Dhanlaxmi, with 150 homes, and Anna Sagar, which has 200. Residents stress that the delays are particularly burdensome for senior citizens who find it challenging to manage the procurement of LPG cylinders. A resident, Aarya Ankushrao, emphasized that the government advocates for a transition to PNG, yet many remain in limbo. Ankushrao mentioned that residents are willing to collaborate if there are technical obstacles.

Bakeries Face Supply Challenges Amid Piped Gas Delays

Commercial entities such as bakeries are also feeling the impact of these delays. Ashfaque Siddique, vice-president of the Bombay Bakers Association, highlighted that many bakeries have transitioned from coal and wood to cleaner PNG fuel but are struggling to secure supplies. Despite applying last year and paying Rs 25,000 for PNG connections, these establishments have yet to receive gas. Siddique remarked that due to shortages in commercial gas cylinders, some new baking ovens remain idle, ultimately hurting business operations.

The ongoing situation continues to raise questions about the coordination between residents, businesses, and gas supply companies. A response from Mahanagar Gas Limited regarding these ongoing issues has yet to be received, leaving both residents and business owners in a state of uncertainty as they await updates on their long-anticipated PNG connections.

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