Modi government clears LPG pipeline expansion project worth ₹7,000cr
What's the story
India's oil regulator has approved the construction of nearly 1,800km of new Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) pipelines. The expansion, which involves an investment of ₹7,000 crore, will increase the country's common-carrier LPG pipeline network by almost 25%. The move is part of India's strategy to strengthen fuel supply chains and reduce reliance on road transportation for LPG distribution.
Project details
GAIL to develop the projects
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has approved three strategically important LPG pipeline projects in Telangana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, and Goa.
The state-run GAIL (India) Ltd will develop these projects.
Once completed, the PNGRB-authorized common-carrier LPG pipeline network will increase from about 7,700km to nearly 9,500km, an increase of some 23.5%.
Supply reliability
Expanded network will improve inland LPG supply
India heavily relies on imported LPG, with bulk supplies coming to coastal import terminals and then transported inland.
The expanded pipeline network is expected to improve the efficiency and reliability of inland LPG movement.
The three new projects include a 556km Cherlapally (Telangana) to Nagpur (Maharashtra) line, a 611km Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) to Sitarganj (Uttarakhand) pipeline, and a 633km Shikrapur (Maharashtra) to Goa and Hubli (Karnataka) line.
Safety benefits
Transitioning to safer, more efficient transportation
The PNGRB said the new infrastructure will help accelerate a shift from road-based transportation of LPG to pipelines.
This will reduce the movement of LPG tankers and improve road safety while cutting logistics costs, traffic congestion, and carbon emissions.
Pipeline transportation is viewed as a safer and more economical way to move LPG over long distances compared to tank trucks.