image sourced from original article at The government’s push to rapidly expand piped natural gas connections across the country is facing a serious slowdown due to a shortage of certified gas plumbers. While authorities aim to provide 125 million household connections by 2030, companies are currently adding only 8,000 to 10,000 homes a day, far short of the 100,000 daily target. Around 6 million homes already have pipelines laid to their doorstep but remain dependent on liquefied petroleum gas cylinders because internal installations are incomplete.
Industry executives say the main bottleneck lies in the final stage of installation, which requires specially trained plumbers qualified in gas pressure systems and safety procedures. India has delivered about 16 million connections so far, well below the pace needed to meet future targets. Contractors typically assign plumbers three connections per day, and closing the gap would require tens of thousands of certified workers over several years.
Although the country has more than 14,000 Industrial Training Institutes offering formal courses certified by the National Council for Vocational Training, plumbing attracts fewer candidates than other trades. The Indian Plumbing Skills Council estimates that most plumbers lack formal training, and gas plumbing requires additional certification. Low wages and uneven regional rollout further complicate expansion, while some households remain hesitant amid concerns over potential price increases.
