GAIL targets Sept start for Bengal pipelines

Kolkata: Construction of GAIL's two major natural gas pipelines in Bengal is progressing steadily and is expected to be completed within the next month, with the company targeting the commencement of gas transportation through the Rajarambati–Haldia and Dhamra–Haldia pipelines by Sept.

The 162-km Rajarambati–Haldia pipeline was originally scheduled for completion in Dec 2020.

However, the project faced repeated delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and hold-ups in obtaining statutory clearances from the previous state govt, according to GAIL sources.

"Pipeline laying was stalled for nearly two years along stretches covering around 20 km in Howrah and East Midnapore districts. Following a change in the state administration, the required approvals have been granted on a priority basis," a senior GAIL official said. He added that approval is still pending for only 2.2 km of the route.

The pipeline passes through Hooghly, Howrah and East Midnapore districts. GAIL has completed laying the entire 49.7-km stretch in Hooghly. In Howrah, 50 km of the 56-km section has been completed, while approval is awaited for around 2 km and work is under way on the remaining stretch.

In East Midnapore, the company has secured approvals for the entire route except for a 200-metre section. Of the district's 56.5-km stretch, 50.7 km of the pipeline has already been laid.

"We expect to complete laying the entire 162-kilometre pipeline within a month, and our target is to commence the gas transportation from Sept," the official said. Work on GAIL's Dhamra–Haldia pipeline , which connects Odisha and Bengal, is also advancing rapidly. In Bengal, pipeline laying has been completed along 83 km of the total 99-km stretch. The company is aiming to operationalise the pipeline in Sept as well.