Question : National Gas Grid Network

(a) the aims and objectives of National Gas Grid network along with the pipelines identified for the purpose;
(b) whether the Government is running behind schedule to complete these pipeline networks and if so, the details thereof along with the timeline fixed to complete the said network;
(c) whether 2500 kilometre of pipeline has been identified for development through public-private partnership mode and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Kochi-Bengaluru gas pipeline has been stuck due to farmer’s protest and if so, the details thereof along with the present status of the said gas pipeline project and the deadline fixed to complete the same; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to convince farmers for withdrawal of their protest along with the time by which the said pipeline project is likely to be completed?

MINISTER OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)
(a): The aims and objective of the establishment of National Gas Grid projects is to ensure the availability of clean and eco-friendly fuel i.e. Natural Gas to the industrial, commercial, domestic and transport sectors in the country. This will also help in socio-economic development of the country.
(b): The pipeline networks are being executed by the authorized PSUs/Private pipeline entities on their techno-commercial feasibility and the progress is reviewed by PNGRB as per timelines.
(c): The Government has taken a decision to provide a capital grant as Viability Gap Funding of Rs.5176 crore (i.e. 40% of the estimated capital cost of Rs.12,940 Crore) to GAIL for development of a 2655 Km long Jagdishpur-Haldia/Bokaro-Dhamra Gas Pipeline (JHBDPL) project. The pipeline will transport natural gas to the industrial, commercial, domestic and transport sectors in the States of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
(d) & (e): Kochi-Kootanad-Bengaluru-Mangaluru Pipeline (KKBMPL) is being executed by GAIL in two sections. The construction work in section Kochi-Kootanad-Mangaluru is at advanced stage in the state of Kerala. Another section i.e. 434 Km Kootanad-Bangaluru is passing through the state of Tamilnadu wherein a resistance from farmers/land owners/farmers association has been observed. This section is targeted to be completed within 30 months from availability of hindrance free RoU.
Government of Tamil Nadu (GoTN) has constituted an Expert Committee. In order to take the matter forward, officers of this Ministry, along with GAIL’s Senior Management have had five rounds of discussions with the officers of GoTN. As advised by GoTN during the said discussions, GAIL is taking necessary steps for spreading the awareness about the usage of natural gas among the people including landowners/farmers of Tamil Nadu as well as benefits of natural gas over alternate fuels and has also appointed a Public Relation (PR) Agency.
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