Gail plans pipeline from Andhra to MP

State-run Gail India has proposed to invest Rs 8,000 crore in laying a gas pipeline from Vijaywada in Andhra Pradesh to Vijaipur in Madhya Pradesh for transporting gas from the east coast to consumers in central and north India.   

"We have applied for laying a central India pipeline to the sector regulator Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)," Gail Chairman and Managing Director UD Choubey told reporters.   

The 1,100 km pipeline is proposed to be laid in four years and will transport 25-40 million standard cubic metres of gas (mmscmd) per day.    

"The pipeline is needed for meeting the gas requirements of industries in central and north India," he said. 

Incidentally Gujarat State Petronet Ltd (GSPL) has also proposed a similar central India pipeline from the east coast to Bhilwara in Rajasthan. 

The GSPL pipeline will originate at Mallavaram on the AP coast and carry 25 mmscmd gas to Bhilwara in Rajasthan.  

While Gail has identified ONGC and Reliance Industries fields as potential sources of gas, GSPL has proposed to transport gas from a field owned by group firm Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation.