MoPNG Notifies New RoW Framework for Gas and Petroleum Pipelines: Key Legal Framework

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has, with effect from March 26, 2026, notified a new framework governing the grant of right of way (RoW), right of use, and related permissions for the laying, operation, maintenance, and expansion of natural gas and petroleum product pipelines and associated facilities.

The framework seeks to address longstanding execution challenges such as approval delays, fragmented regulatory processes, inconsistent charges, and access-related disputes across public, residential, and private land.

By introducing defined timelines, a standardised approval process, and restrictions on arbitrary levies, the Order is expected to have significant legal and operational implications for stakeholders across the oil & gas, infrastructure, and city gas distribution ecosystem.

Applicability

The Order applies where an authorised pipeline entity requires permission or access to land for laying, operating, or expanding gas or petroleum pipelines and related facilities. It provides the approval framework for obtaining such access from the relevant authorities or persons in control of the land. The broad scope of the Order is set out below:

Key Provisions / Major Takeaways

The Order introduces a more structured framework for obtaining approvals and access for gas and petroleum pipeline infrastructure. Key operational and compliance-related highlights are set out below:

• Common approval / single-window framework introduced
  The Order establishes a common, streamlined process (single-window mechanism) for obtaining permissions, including Right of Way (RoW), for laying and operating gas or petroleum pipelines and related facilities
• Application fee prescribed
  A one-time fee of Rs.1,000 per kilometre has been fixed for underground and overground pipelines.
• Authorities must respond within timelines
  The Order prescribes specific timelines for grant or rejection of applications, depending on the type of pipeline, network, or facility involved. An indicative summary is set out below:

• Queries must be raised within 7 days
  If any clarification or document is needed, the authority must ask for it within 7 days, and preferably in one consolidated request.

• Deemed approval now available
  If the authority does not act within the prescribed timeline, the approval may be treated as automatically granted.
• No arbitrary charges allowed
  Public authorities cannot impose extra fees, rent, wayleave, development charges, compensation, or similar levies unless specifically permitted under the Order.
• Restoration process has been clarified
  Where digging or civil work is involved, restoration may be done either on a dig and pay basis or dig and restore basis.
• Special rules for CGD networks
  The Order provides a separate framework for City Gas Distribution (CGD) works, especially in urban areas, including restoration obligations and possible bank guarantee requirements.
• Housing societies cannot easily block PNG access
  In residential areas, access for PNG infrastructure generally has to be granted quickly, and such applications cannot ordinarily be rejected.
• LPG supply may stop where PNG is available
  If PNG is available and the household / housing area does not cooperate or apply, LPG supply may be stopped after 3 months, unless PNG is technically not feasible.
• Private land access mechanism introduced
  If access through private land is denied and no alternate route exists, the authorised entity may approach the designated officer as defined in the order, for intervention.
• Compensation framework provided for private land
  Where access is granted over private land through official intervention, compensation is to be determined under the prescribed framework.
• Restrictions may apply after pipeline laying
  Once a pipeline is laid, certain activities such as construction, excavation, or tree plantation may be restricted to avoid damage.
• Authorised entities must also act within time
  If an authorised entity does not lay the pipeline within 4 months of approval, it may face penalty and possible loss of exclusivity.
• PNGRB to monitor implementation
  The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has been designated as the nodal agency to monitor approvals, rejections, and compliance.

Conclusion

This notification is a significant regulatory development for India’s gas and petroleum pipeline ecosystem. At its core, the Order seeks to simplify right of way approvals, reduce local bottlenecks, standardise charges, accelerate PNG and CGD rollout, and improve implementation accountability.

For businesses operating in the oil & gas, CGD, infrastructure, urban utility, and land access space, the framework is relevant from both a legal and operational standpoint.

Stakeholders should therefore review their approval processes, land access strategy, housing area engagement, restoration obligations, notice requirements, and compliance timelines to ensure alignment with the new regulatory regime.

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