Question : NATIONAL GAS GRID NETWORK

(a) the details of the existing network of gas pipelines and its capacity to transport gas across the country, project-wise;

(b) whether the Government proposes to expand gas grid network across the country on the lines of the power grid;

(c) if so, the details thereof along with the benefits likely to be accrued by setting up of such grid;

(d) the details of funds made available and utilised for the purpose of laying gas pipelines; and

(e) the status of the project along with the further steps taken to expedite the execution of the project?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)

(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.309 ASKED BY SHRI R. GOPALAKRISHNAN AND SHRI DHARMENDRA YADAV, MPs TO BE ANSWERED ON DECEMBER 15, 2014

(a): The details of the existing natural gas pipelines along with their capacity to transport the gas is enclosed as Annexure-I.

(b) & (c): Yes, Madam. In order to complete the gas grid across the country, an additional 15,000 km of pipelines was announced in Budget of 2014-15. Out of this additional 15,000 km of pipelines, about 11,900 km of pipelines have already been authorized by Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)/Government of India and 1200 km of pipeline is under bidding process by PNGRB. For completion of gas grid, 2500 km of pipelines is identified for development through PPP mode. After completion of the gas grid, natural gas could be transported across the length and breadth of the country.

(d): The onus for arranging of funds for laying of natural gas pipelines vests with the entity authorized by PNGRB/Government.

(e): For working out the implementation of the Budget announcement, Ministry has identified various pipelines and spur line pipeline sections to be developed to complete the National Gas Grid. Further, Ministry has identified 3 pipeline sections of the total length of about 2500 km for implementation through PPP mode with Viability Gap Funding (VGF). Ministry has approved a pipeline section (Ranchi- Talcher-Paradip) for implementation through PPP mode as pilot project and the remaining 2 pipeline sections viz., Barauni-Guwahati-Agartala and Haldia- Paradip/Srikakulam would be considered through PPP mode with VGF after successful completion of the pilot project. The details of natural gas pipelines that would form part of the National Gas Grid along with their present status are enclosed at Annexure-II.