A major initiative aimed at accelerating green energy adoption and strengthening renewable fuel infrastructure has been rolled out in Banas Kantha district, Gujarat. Banas Dairy, in collaboration with Suzuki Motor, has inaugurated a new Bio-CNG generation plant with a processing capacity of 100 MTPD (Metric Tonnes Per Day) of cattle dung at Vinciwadi in Dhanera. The newly launched facility is designed to provide eco-friendly fuel for vehicles while significantly lowering fuel expenditures for local motorists compared to prevailing market rates.
Expanded Network and Production Output
With the commencement of operations at the Vinciwadi unit, the total count of operational Bio-CNG production plants across Banas Kantha district has risen to 5. Consequently, the combined cattle dung processing capacity of all five facilities has expanded to 440 MTPD. On a full-scale operational basis, these integrated plants will collectively produce approximately 7,950 kilograms of Bio-CNG every day.
Beyond clean energy generation, the network will yield substantial quantities of organic fertilizers to encourage chemical-free farming. The combined output includes 108 MTPD of solid organic fertilizer alongside 336 MTPD of liquid organic fertilizer, offering sustainable soil nutrient solutions to agricultural communities in the region.
Launch of Bio-CNG Taxi and Station Infrastructure
Marking a milestone in sustainable mobility, India's first Bio-CNG powered taxi was officially flagged off from Dhanera during the inaugural event. The rollout highlights the practical deployment of biogas in the public transportation segment.
The dedicated Bio-CNG fueling outlet set up in Dhanera possesses an active output capacity of 1.8 tonnes of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) per day. This daily supply volume is capable of fulfilling the tank refueling requirements of up to 400 vehicles, ensuring consistent availability for commercial and retail consumers.
Cost Savings for Vehicle Owners
The new plant offers immediate economic benefits to consumers by delivering fuel at competitive rates. Banas CNG at the Dhanera station is priced at ₹80 per kilogram, whereas standard CNG across other retail pumps retails at ₹89 per kilogram. This price differential enables vehicle owners to save ₹9 per kilogram on fuel purchases, reducing daily operational expenses for local taxi operators and private commuters.
Dignitaries Attending the Inauguration
The ceremony at Vinciwadi was attended by prominent leaders and corporate executives, including Toshishiro Suzuki, President of Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC). Other key dignitaries present included Minister Jitubhai Vaghani, Gujarat Legislative Assembly Speaker Shankar Bhai Chaudhary, Minister Pravinbhai Mali, Member of the Legislative Assembly Mavjibhai Desai, and District Panchayat Chief Vasantbhai Purohit.
Alignment with National GOBARdhan Scheme
This project aligns directly with the Union Government's broader bioenergy objectives. On August 6, 2026, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sanctioned the National Circular Bioenergy Scheme, known as GOBARdhan, backed by a total outlay of ₹23,731 crore.
The GOBARdhan initiative is structured to convert agricultural waste, livestock dung, sugarcane bagasse, municipal organic waste, and agricultural biomass into clean fuel and organic fertilizers while generating rural income. Under this scheme, the government aims to expand domestic Compressed Biogas (CBG) manufacturing capacity nearly tenfold, stimulate substantial private investment, and establish a circular bio-economy across the nation.
