PM Modi virtually inaugurated the GAIL Kochi-Mangalore natural gas pipeline on January 5 at 11 AM. after overcoming various challenges in its construction and functioning, the gas pipeline has begun to supply natural gas to Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilisers (MCF). starting from the city of Ernakulam, the pipeline then windes its way through Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikkode, Kannur, and Kasargod after which it reaches Mangalore. This environmentally friendly natural gas will soon be made available to OMPL and MRPL.
This pipeline will not only ensure the use of eco-friendly natural gas but also provide the required supply to houses with relative ease. Fuel required for vehicles will be supplied as CNG through the use of the pipeline. As it will be connecting most parts of Kerala with Karnataka and to make it more efficient, a due effort is being made to connect the service to the city gas distribution network in the 28 districts of the latter state.
Furthermore, the city of Mangalore is gearing up to extend and connect the aforementioned pipeline service to households and a decent number of colonies. However, this might take about a year to be completed and to work in full effect. While Petronet already had its LNG Terminal in Kochi that was experiencing poor connectivity, GAIL (India) Chairman Manoj Jain is positive about connectivity improving due to the completion of the pipeline.
Participating along with the PM in the virtual inaugration for the GAIL (India) pipeline were Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan, Karnataka CM B. S. Yediyurappa, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor of Karnataka Vajubhai Rudabhai Bala, and the Governor of Kerala Arif Mohammad Khan.
In the year 2009, GAIL (India) was given the work of laying down the pipeline at the cost of Rs 2,915 crore. However, due to unforeseen land acquisition issues work was delayed and finally got sanctioned only in 2014. Due to the delay, the cost of construction had increased to Rs 5,750 crore but has now proudly been completed. The laying down of such an impressive project and the full official use of the service is bound to open new doors in the history of our country’s use and distribution of natural gas.
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