RANCHI, April 28 -- Bihar's chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit on Monday directed officials and gas companies to further speed up the rollout of domestic piped natural gas (PNG) connections by doubling the daily conversion rate. This comes as the state accelerates its push towards clean energy. Domestic PNG connections have surpassed 107,000 and half of the state's districts now have gas coverage, according to a press release issued by the chief secretary's cell. Chairing a review meeting of the crisis management group (CMG), Amrit instructed authorities to increase the number of contractors and plumbers to expedite household connections. He also called for intensified awareness drives, including ward-level camps and audio announcements, to boost PNG registrations. Amrit also set strict timelines for project execution, directing that domestic PNG supply be operationalised in Saharsa by May 2, and extended to districts such as Darbhanga and Madhubani by July-August this year. The pace of expansion has seen a sharp rise, with monthly connections increasing from 3,000-3,500 last year to 9,132 in April 2026. The state has now set a target of scaling this up to 12,000 connections per month. Officials said 19 districts-accounting for 50% of Bihar-have been gasified following the commencement of supply in Saharsa on April 21. Work is progressing rapidly in the remaining districts, including Banka, Buxar, Darbhanga and Madhubani, where pipeline laying is underway. Gas supply is expected to begin in Banka by April 30. District-wise data shows Patna, under GAIL, leading with 33,539 live connections, achieving 59% of its target. Muzaffarpur, served by IOCL, follows with 16,970 connections. Other districts, including Bhojpur (10,226), Purnia (7,897) and Saran (6,948), have also reported steady progress. In a notable development, Dharfari Enclave in Muzaffarpur has become Bihar's first LPG-free residential society, the release added....