If you’ve lived in Pune or worked on interior projects here, you’ve likely come across a growing challenge—MNGL (Maharashtra Natural Gas Ltd.) pipelines cutting through the middle of kitchen walls. While necessary from a utility standpoint, these pipelines can create major hurdles when it comes to aesthetic and functional cabinet design.
As an interior designer working in Pune for over a decade, I’ve started seeing these more often in recent years. Unlike concealed utility lines, MNGL gas pipes often run visibly along wall surfaces, with no regard for future modular or custom cabinet installations. And the kicker? You can’t just shift or reroute them at will.
Why You Can’t Simply Move a Gas Pipe
This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about regulations and safety. Shifting an MNGL pipeline involves:
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Society permissions: Most housing societies won’t allow modifications unless formally approved.
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MNGL approval & coordination: Only MNGL-authorised technicians are permitted to move the pipe, and the process can be lengthy and unpredictable.
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Safety risks: MNGL pipelines are not to be tampered with casually, for obvious reasons.
All of this makes rerouting a pipe more effort than it’s often worth—especially when there’s a simpler, smarter alternative.
How I Handled It in a Recent Project
In one of my recent kitchen projects, I was faced with an MNGL pipe running down the middle of a wall where the upper cabinets were planned. Shifting it would have added at least 2–3 weeks of delay—not to mention the paperwork and risk.
Instead, I chose to design around the pipe. By reworking the cabinet structure slightly and using clever partitioning, I managed to:
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Maintain full storage functionality
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Avoid interference with the pipe
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Hide the pipe behind a seamless cabinet panel
The result? A clean, functional kitchen with zero compromises on safety or design. Once complete, you wouldn’t even notice the pipe was there.
The Takeaway
Design challenges like this are common, especially in growing cities like Pune. But with the right mindset and a flexible approach, it’s possible to work around these limitations without sacrificing beauty or functionality.
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation and are facing a similar issue, don’t worry. With some creative thinking and experienced guidance, there’s always a workaround.
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Need help dealing with similar design limitations in your space? Feel free to get in touch. I’d be happy to help you find the best solution.
