Kochi-Mangaluru GAIL pipeline to be completed in 2018

Mangaluru, Jul 27: The ambitious 437-km Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) pipeline project from Kochi to Mangaluru is expected to be completed by December next year. The complex land acquisition process for laying the pipeline has been completed.

The work was going on in full swing and GAIL was poised to award the works in two sections, spread on a 110-km stretch in Malappuram and parts of Kannur by July end, Tony Mathew, Deputy General Manager, GAIL, Kerala Circle, said.

The works in Kasaragod district, where the pipeline passes through 81 km in localities having by and large laterite soil structure, were going on without any hassles, he said.

He said that 28 plots had to be identified for setting up section valve and intermediate pigging to facilitate cleaning the pipelines at desired points.

Elaborating further, he said 80% of welding works had been executed in Ernakulam and Thrissur and the laying of the pipeline, ranging between 1.50 metres and 1.75 metres deep, was all set to be completed by December, 2018, adding that the report of the progress of the work was sent to the Chief Minister’s office on Wednesday.