PSU GAIL begins construction of stalled Kochi-Mangaluru pipeline

The project, which had been stalled due to land acquisition problems, will cost Rs 3,263 crore.

Speaking on the development of the pipeline project, B C Tripathi, Chairman and Managing Director, GAIL said "Looking into the substantial progress in the Laying works already awarded with the help of State Government in providing statutory clearances and permissions and Right of way, GAIL is commencing laying activities in the remaining 111 kms stretch of the pipeline. The project activities in 100% of the pipe length will gather full momentum after the monsoon. With the continued support of the State Government and the people at large, GAIL is confident of completing the entire Kochi – Koottanad – Mangaluru Pipeline by December 2018."

The pipeline, which forms part of the National Gas Grid, will be completed by December 2018.

GAIL said contracts for pipeline laying works for the 111-km stretch falling in Malappuram, Kannur and Kasargod districts have been awarded.

"As a part of Phase-II of the project, the pipeline section from Kochi-Koottanad (in Kerala) to Mangaluru (in Karnataka) section of 438 km is being executed. With today's award of contracts, the entire stretch of 438 km Kochi Koottanad Mangaluru pipeline will be in the construction phase," it said.

The Kochi Koottanad Mangaluru pipeline will give a major economic boost to Kerala by way of supplying environment-friendly industrial development.

In Phase-I of the project, around 41-km pipeline had already been commissioned during 2013 to transport natural gas from Kochi LNG Terminal. Currently, around 2.6 million standard cubic meters per day of gas is being supplied to various consumers in and around Kochi city, the statement added.