GAIL forays into Kerala, commences construction of KKMBPL project

GAIL started its foray into the state of Kerala with Kochi – Koottanad – Mangaluru-Bengaluru pipeline with a total project cost of Rs 3,263 crore. Despite the initial hurdle, the Kerala stretch of the project will gain impetus with commencement of 100 per cent construction work. This pipeline will form part of the National Gas Grid and it will go a long way in fulfilling centre’s vision of making India a gas based economy.

The construction activities are in full swing and this will gather new speed with GAIL awarding contracts for pipeline laying works of the remaining section of 111 km stretch falling in Malappuram, Kannur and Kasargod districts at a cost of around Rs 160 crore. 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 the award of contracts, the entire stretch of 438 Km Kochi – Koottanad – Mangaluru Pipeline will be in the construction phase.

Speaking on the development of the pipeline project, B C Tripathi, Chairman and Managing Director of 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 per cent 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 Kochi – Koottanad – Mangaluru Pipeline will give a major economic boost to the state of Kerala by way of supplying environmental 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 MMSCMD of gas is being supplied to various consumers in and around Kochi city.