GAIL , the country's leading natural gas company , has made significant strides in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga pipeline project, marking a crucial development in India's natural gas infrastructure.

Project Progress

The company has announced the completion of over 97.60% of the integrated Jagdishpur – Haldia – Bokaro - Dhamra Pipeline (JHBDPL), popularly known as 'Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga'. This ambitious project aims to bring natural gas to the Eastern and North-Eastern regions of India, covering six states: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Assam.

Operational Status

Of the completed pipeline, 96.60% has already been put into commercial operation. The project, with an authorized pipeline length of 3,306 km, has seen 3,227 km of pipeline laid so far. GAIL reports that 3,119 km of the pipeline section is now operational, including key stretches such as Phulpur – Dobhi – Bokaro – Durgapur, Bokaro – Angul – Dhamra, and Dobhi – Barauni – Guwahati.

Current Capacity and Utilization

The operational sections of the pipeline are currently transporting an impressive 12.26 Million Standard Cubic Meter Per Day (MMSCMD) of natural gas. This supply is catering to various industrial and domestic needs, including:

• Four fertilizer plants
• Two refineries (Barauni and Paradip)
• Various industrial consumers
• 32 City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks, covering major cities like Varanasi, Patna, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Bhubaneshwar, Cuttack, and Kolkata

Ongoing Work and Future Plans

While significant progress has been made, some sections of the project are still under development:

Due to challenges in acquiring Right of Use (RoU), the completion of the Durgapur – Haldia and Dhamra - Haldia sections has been extended from March 2025 to December 2025.

Impact and Future Outlook

The completion of these remaining sections will enable GAIL to transport natural gas to additional key industrial areas, including:

• Haldia refinery
• CGD networks in Howrah, Hooghly, Purba Medinipur, and Paschim Medinipur
• Various industrial consumers along the pipeline route

This project represents a significant step towards enhancing India's natural gas infrastructure, potentially boosting industrial growth and providing cleaner energy options to a wider population in the eastern and northeastern regions of the country.

As GAIL continues to make progress on this vital infrastructure project, it reinforces its position as a key player in India's energy sector and contributes to the nation's goal of increasing the share of natural gas in its energy mix.

GAIL (India) Limited , the country's largest gas transmission and distribution company, has taken a significant step towards expanding its global financial operations. The company has incorporated a new wholly owned subsidiary named GAIL Global IFSC Limited in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gujarat.

Key Details of the New Subsidiary

Strategic Objectives

The establishment of GAIL Global IFSC Limited serves two primary purposes:

1. To undertake Global/Regional Corporate Treasury Centres activities
2. To engage in Ship Leasing activities

This strategic move is expected to enhance GAIL's financial capabilities and expand its presence in international markets.

Regulatory Approvals

The formation of the subsidiary received necessary governmental approvals. The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India, conveyed the approval from the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) on March 13, 2025, for the establishment of this wholly owned subsidiary in GIFT City.

Financial Structure

The new entity has been incorporated with an authorized share capital of ₹17.00 crore and an initial paid-up capital of ₹8.50 crore. The shares have been acquired at face value of ₹10 each, through cash consideration.

Industry Classification

GAIL Global IFSC Limited will operate as a Finance Company within the IFSC GIFT City, Gujarat. This classification aligns with its intended functions in treasury management and ship leasing.

Implications for GAIL (India)

The incorporation of GAIL Global IFSC Limited represents a strategic expansion for GAIL (India) Limited. By establishing a presence in GIFT City, GAIL aims to leverage the benefits of operating in an international financial services center. This move could potentially enhance the company's global treasury operations and provide new avenues for financial activities, including ship leasing, which is relevant to GAIL's core business in gas transmission and distribution.

The establishment of this subsidiary underscores GAIL's commitment to expanding its financial capabilities and exploring new business opportunities in the international arena. As the company continues to grow, this strategic initiative may contribute to its global competitiveness and financial efficiency.