A natural gas pipeline connecting the greenfield 5-MMtpy LNG regasification terminal at Chhara in the Gir-Somnath district with the gas grid has been commissioned.

The pipeline having capacity of 18 million standard cubic meters per day was developed by Gujarat State Petronet Limited (GSPL) at a cost of approximately Rs. 650 crores. The pipeline passes from the outskirts of eco-sensitive zone of the Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary, home to Asiatic lions.

The work for engineering, procurement and construction of the 36” dia pipeline from HPCL LNG terminal at Chhara in Gir-Somnath district upto Lothpur in Amreli district of Gujarat, including dispatch terminal at Chhara LNG terminal, valve stations and receiving terminal at Lothpur, was entrusted to the Mumbai-based construction company, Ace Pipeline Contracts Private Limited (Ace Pipeline) in September 2023. To cut down on the construction schedule, construction techniques such as automatic welding for welding of the 36” dia pipeline were deployed on the project.

The HPCL LNG terminal at Chhara in Gir Somnath has a capacity for regasification of 5 MMPTA LNG. This terminal is operated by HPCL LNG Limited, a subsidiary of state-run Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).

This project enhances the country’s availability of natural gas for use as an energy source in line with the Government of India’s target to raise the share of natural gas in the energy mix to 15% by 2030.