Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Aug 14: The 444-km long pipeline of the GAIL Limited from Kochi to the city meant to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) is taking too long to complete. The work on Dakshina Kannada side has been completed. However, the company is finding it very hard to lay the pipeline under river Chandragiri in Kasargod. Moreover, heavy rainfall and relentless march of coronavirus have proved to be a major impediment in the execution of the project.

It is learnt that the delay in laying the pipeline is causing heavy loss to GAIL. To obviate the losses, the company proposes to get LNG from Kochi through LNG tankers by ship to manage gas supply for a period of three months. GAIL has to supply LNG to Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilisers. Discussions are presently in progress in this connection. Deputy general manager of GAIL here, Vijayanand, said that Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd and Adani Udupi Power Corporation Ltd too have been waiting for the LNG supply.

Alternatively, LNG can be brought by LNG tankers till Ichilangodu near Kumble, Kasargod, from where it can be supplied by pipeline through the receiving station. Pros and cons of these measures are being compared and discussed at present.

As per the earlier expectations, LNG was to be supplied by August end. Even domestic supply was planned to be undertaken. However, after Kerala barred entry of people into that state, movement of workers and officials faced problems. Work began from August 3, but problems are encountered in digging a tunnel beneath the river and laying pipeline there. As per the current estimate, it might take about ten days for the work to resume, and 20 more days to complete it.