GAIL (India) Limited , the country's largest gas transmission and distribution company, has announced a significant expansion project for its Jamnagar-Loni Petroleum Product (LPG) Pipeline (JLPL). The company's Board of Directors has approved a capacity expansion plan that will double the pipeline's capacity from 3.25 MMTPA (Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum) to 6.5 MMTPA.

Project Details

The expansion project comes with a price tag of ₹5,363.88 crore and will be financed through a combination of debt and equity. This strategic move is aimed at supporting GAIL's business growth and meeting the increasing demand for LPG transportation.

Current Capacity and Utilization

According to the disclosure made by GAIL under Regulation 30 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, the current capacity utilization of the Jamnagar-Loni LPG Pipeline stands at 3.22 MMTPA, nearly maxing out its existing capacity of 3.25 MMTPA. This high utilization rate underscores the need for expansion to accommodate future growth.

Project Timeline

The expansion project is set to be completed within 36 months from July 23, 2025, following the authorization from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). This timeline suggests that the expanded pipeline capacity should be operational by mid-2028, barring any unforeseen delays.

Strategic Importance

The Jamnagar-Loni LPG Pipeline plays a crucial role in the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas across several states in India. The doubling of its capacity is expected to significantly enhance GAIL's ability to meet the growing energy demands of the country, particularly in the LPG sector.

Additional Infrastructure Updates

GAIL has also revised the completion schedule for another significant project - the Mumbai-Nagpur-Jharsuguda Pipeline (MNJPL). The 1,702 km MNJPL project, which includes three sections, has seen its completion date extended from September 30, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

The MNJPL project update reveals:

• Most of the construction is mechanically complete, awaiting regulatory approvals from PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation).
• The Mumbai–Nagpur section is finished and ready.
• Small portions totaling around 11 km remain incomplete across different stretches.

These infrastructure developments underscore GAIL's commitment to expanding and strengthening India's gas pipeline network, which is crucial for the country's energy security and economic growth.

As GAIL continues to invest in its pipeline infrastructure, these projects are expected to play a vital role in meeting India's growing energy needs and supporting the transition towards cleaner fuel options.

In the stock market, GAIL shares were trading 1.60% lower at ₹175.80 following these announcements.

GAIL India , the country's largest gas transmission and distribution company, is set to expand its renewable energy portfolio with a new bio-CNG plant in Bengaluru. The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the allotment of 18 acres of land to GAIL India for this purpose, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy production in the state.

Land Allocation Details

The Karnataka Cabinet has given the green light to allocate 18 acres of land to GAIL India on a 'Permissive Use' basis for a period of 25 years. The land is located in Haralakunte village, Bengaluru South Taluk, and will be used to establish a bio-CNG unit with impressive capacity:

• Initial capacity: 300 metric tonnes per day
• Expandable capacity: Up to 500 metric tonnes per day

Project Implementation

The Revenue Department and Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd will play crucial roles in the project's implementation:

• Joint survey of the allocated land
• Handover of the land with proper maps

This collaborative effort ensures a smooth transition and proper utilization of the allotted area for the bio-CNG plant.

State's Initiatives in Renewable Energy

Alongside the land allocation for GAIL India's bio-CNG plant, the Karnataka Cabinet has taken additional steps to promote clean energy and regulate the biofuel sector:

1. Bio-diesel Regulation: Approval of guidelines to prevent spurious chemical sales under the bio-diesel name.
2. New Licensing Order: Decision to draft 'The Bio-Diesel (B-100) Blending with High Speed Diesel for Transportation Purposes (Licensing) Order, 2022'.

These measures demonstrate the state government's commitment to fostering a robust and reliable renewable energy sector.

Other Cabinet Decisions

The Karnataka Cabinet meeting also saw approvals for several other significant initiatives:

• Healthcare: Extension of Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka scheme benefits to all senior citizens aged 70 and above.
• Hospital Infrastructure: Approval for the construction of two 100-bed hospitals at a total cost of Rs 100.00 crore.
• Digital Governance: Authorization for the procurement of 3,500 Chromebooks for revenue inspectors under the Digi Revenue Project.

These decisions reflect the government's focus on improving healthcare access, enhancing medical infrastructure, and digitizing administrative processes.

The allocation of land to GAIL India for the bio-CNG plant aligns with India's broader goals of increasing renewable energy production and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. As the project develops, it is expected to contribute significantly to Bengaluru's sustainable energy landscape and potentially serve as a model for similar initiatives across the country.