Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Jul 25: In the gas pipeline being laid between Kochi and Mangaluru only works on a stretch of 1.5 km remains to be executed. This work is expected to be completed by August. The pipeline inaugural date has not yet been finalised.
Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilisers in the city happens to be the only chemical fertiliser manufacturing plant in the state and the government plans to use natural gas for its production process. For this purpose, a 450 km long gas pipeline work had been undertaken between Kochi and Mangaluru.
Gas pipeline work under progress (File photo)
The gas pipeline has passed through Malavoor, Kandavoor, Addoor, Arkula, Kenjar, and Thokoor in Mangaluru taluk and Meramajalu, Ammunje, Kairangala etc in Bantwal taluk. 1.5 km stretch of the said pipeline has been embedded eight metres deep under River Chandragiri in Kerala. Vijayanand, deputy general manager of Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) here said that the project got delayed because of works under the sea and rivers. The project cost was Rs 2,915 crore when it started in 2009, and it has since swelled to Rs 5,751 crore.
The scheme of supplying gas had begun in Kochi city corporation limits in 2013 on a trial basis and since 2016, Adani Group has been supplying gas. GAIL also plans to supply regasified liquid natural gas to the city. GAIL also plans to begin direct gas supply to houses through pipes and the representatives of the company are visiting houses to register names. This gas is said to be less costly and poses less risks. As many as 100 CNG centres too will begin functioning here soon, it is said.