Indian Gail Starts Work to Complete Kochi-Mangalore Gas Pipeline

Indian Gail has started construction of the Kochi-Koottanad-Mangaluru-Bengaluru gas pipeline in the southern state of Kerala, it said August 2.

“Despite the initial hurdle, the Kerala stretch of the project will gain impetus with commencement of 100% construction work. This pipeline will form part of the national gas grid and it will go a long way in fulfilling the vision of the government of India towards building a gas based economy,” the company said in a statement.

The project's cost is estimated at rupees 32.63bn ($0.5bn).

The construction activities are set to pick up pace with Gail awarding contracts for pipeline laying works for the remaining 111 kilometre section, which stretches across the Malappuram, Kannur and Kasargod districts, at a cost of approximately rupees 1.6bn. As a part of the second phase of the project, the pipeline section from Kochi-Koottanad (in Kerala) to Mangaluru (in Karnataka) section of 438 km is being executed.

The Kochi-Koottanad-Mangaluru pipeline will result in better utilization of Petronet’s Kochi LNG terminal, which has been grossly underutilized due to lack of pipeline connectivity. At the moment the terminal is catering only to customers nearby. 

Shardul Sharma