The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has granted authorisation to Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) for the Kochi-Kanyakumari-Thoothukudi Natural Gas Pipeline (KTPL).
The pipeline will originate from the Kochi LNG Terminal in Kerala and extend up to Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, covering an approximate length of 425 Km with a system capacity of 6.84 MMSCMD, including common carrier capacity, according to a statement by PGNRB on Friday (17 April).
The project is aimed at strengthening natural gas transmission infrastructure in southern India by enabling efficient evacuation and transportation of regasified LNG from the Kochi LNG Terminal to key demand centres across Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu.
According to the regulator, the pipeline is expected to play an important role in enabling the expansion of City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks, as well as supplying natural gas to industrial consumers, power plants and other downstream sectors in the region.
The development of this pipeline is expected to enhance natural gas availability in Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu, improve energy accessibility and strengthen regional gas infrastructure through better integration with the national gas grid.
It will also facilitate increased supply of PNG and CNG to households, commercial establishments and the transport sector through expanded CGD coverage.
The project aligns with the government’s objective of increasing the share of natural gas in the country’s energy mix and reducing carbon emissions, while improving energy security and supply reliability.
PNGRB stated that the authorisation was granted following a competitive bidding process, under which IOCL emerged as the successful bidder after evaluation of technical and financial bids.
The regulator reiterated its commitment to developing a robust and integrated national gas grid to support sustainable economic growth and the transition towards cleaner energy.
Read also : L&T dispatches seventh 700 MWe steam generator for NPCIL ahead of schedule
