NEW DELHI, March 22 (UPI) -- India plans to add more than 4,500 miles of natural gas pipeline during the next few years to keep up with increasing demand, the petroleum minister said.
Indian Petroleum Minister Murli Deora said at a gas summit in New Delhi that his country must expand its infrastructure to keep pace with its growing economy, The Economic Times of India reports Monday.
"Only then we will be able to secure inclusive growth," he said.
India has the second-fastest growing economy in Asia. Most of the national pipeline networks are in the west and north of the country, leaving the south and east strapped for natural resources.
Deora added that natural gas was the best choice for his country's booming economy.
"It enhances energy security, it is an efficient fuel for power generation, a cheaper feedstock for industries, a cleaner alternative for vehicles, it reduces air-pollution and, in general, it leads to improved quality of life," he said.
The minister said gas transit projects under way in the country would add 4,600 miles of natural gas pipelines within the next few years.
The current network is 6,700 miles long.
