Avantika Gas Limited (AGL), incorporated on June 7, 2006, is a central government-authorised joint venture between GAIL (India) Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, established to develop and operate city gas distribution (CGD) projects in Madhya Pradesh. Recognised by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, AGL supplies safe, uninterrupted natural gas to domestic, commercial, industrial and automotive consumers in Indore, Pithampur, Ujjain and Gwalior, and strives to remain a leading provider by prioritising customer needs while continuously enhancing the skills and knowledge of its workforce.
The benefits of adopting digital technology in CGD include improved operational efficiency through real-time data analytics, enhanced safety through predictive maintenance, and streamlined customer interactions via smart metering and automated billing systems.
Emerging technology trends
Technologies such as internet of things, big data, cloud computing, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are reshaping how companies operate in this field. New solutions for real-time, remote control and predictive maintenance can significantly increase the life and operating efficiency of CGD utility assets. Implementing business intelligence tools, such as SAP S/4HANA, allows organisations to not only manage transactions but also gather insights that inform strategic decisions.
Four digital pillars
Customer focus, operational efficiency, cost optimisation and real-time asset monitoring anchor this transformation. With underground assets, including pipelines, meters and stations, spread across cities, real-time visibility becomes essential to prevent losses, enhance safety and preserve the slim 8-10 per cent margins typical of the business.
Technology solutions deployed by Avantika Gas
Network planning
Avantika Gas has implemented a robust geographic information system (GIS) framework to effectively manage its underground assets, recognising the importance of this technology in mitigating risks associated with unauthorised digging and potential gas leaks. This system visualises the entire network, integrating critical data such as line sizes and customer demographics, allowing field engineers to quickly identify asset locations during emergencies. To further support decision-making, Avantika Gas utilises GIS for feasibility and cost-benefit analysis when bidding for new projects. Geographic data is analysed to assess potential customer bases, optimal pipeline routes and the feasibility of establishing new CNG stations. Additionally, the creation of time series land use/land cover maps, allows the company to monitor urban expansion and analyse infrastructure
development trends.
Operations and maintenance
Avantika Gas has recently implemented supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) to bolster operational efficiency and real-time monitoring capabilities. This system allows the tracking of critical parameters such as flow, pressure and temperature across the infrastructure, providing centralised control over operations. Furthermore, the integration of SCADA with GIS has been a game changer for the company, allowing for real-time monitoring of station status, identification of operational conditions, effective management of breakdowns, reduced gas losses and
enhanced safety.
Asset management
SAP S/4HANA systems have been built at Avantika Gas to provide real-time insights, so that information hidden within large and complex data sets can be accessed and business intelligence insights drawn upon. These are the keys to better decision-making, enabling the company to see trends, predict changes and automate processes, improving resource usage and vastly enhancing customer service.
Customer engagement
Intelligent dispensers and smart meters cut ghost connections and provide consumption data without field visits. Avantika Gas’s smart meter roll-out already streamlines billing and reduces losses.
Key challenges
There are several challenges associated with the digitalisation of gas distribution. These include mounting cybersecurity risks, fragmented roll-outs due to the absence of a unified digital strategy, a shortage of specialists in instrumentation and IT, resistance of employees to new systems and high upfront costs despite long-term savings. Additionally, interoperability issues can arise when new solutions do not seamlessly integrate with the existing oil and gas infrastructure, leading to operational disruptions
In sum
Going forward, the number of CNG stations is expected to reach 10,000, and domestic connections are projected to grow to 50 million by 2030, with natural gas’s share in India’s energy basket climbing to 15 per cent. Advanced IT-OT convergence, GIS and SCADA in particular, will help operators monitor assets in real time, prevent gas leaks and maximise profitability.
From GIS-led planning and SCADA-enabled control to AI-ready analytics, Avantika Gas’s digital toolkit shows how CGD players can enhance safety, cut costs and meet customer expectations, which are essential as India’s gas grid expands and competition intensifies.
