Prime minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 450 Km long Kochi-Mangaluru natural gas pipeline on Tuesday, January 5.
Speaking at the event, Modi said, rapid expansion of gas pipeline across country is very crucial for India to become Atmanirbhar Bharat and multiple policy initiatives are in place pushing towards ‘One Nation One Grid’.
India will double the gas pipeline, in next 6 years, and no. of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) stations will be increased from 1,500 to 10,000 in meant time, he said.
He added, India will increase share of natural gas by 15 per cent in its energy basket and diversify energy resources to meet future energy demands.
“It is an honour to dedicate the 450-km pipeline to the nation. This is an important day for India, especially for people of Karnataka and Kerala. India is focusing on gas-based economy and lot of work is being done on ‘One Nation, One Gas Grid’. The gas-based economy is also crucial for Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he iterated.
The 450 Km long pipeline between Kochi and Manguluru was built by GAIL India Ltd, which will carry natural gas from LNG regasification terminal from kochi to Manguluru, Karnataka.
This pipeline will pass through, Ernakulum, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod, supplying PNG (Piped Natural Gas) to household use and CNG to Transport and related sectors.
Modi also added, India has built mere 15,000 km long gas pipeline until 2014, however laying pipeline is at its peak pace, 16,000 Km pipeline is underway, to be completed in next 6 years.
He added, India had 25 lakh homes connected to PNG in 2014, and today no. of homes connected by PNG is 72 lakh, and this particular pipeline will enable another 21 lakh homes to connected by PNG, this will reduce provide cleaner energy reduce carbon footprint.
Modi also termed this day as very important for two states, as they are connected by gas pipeline and will have positive impact on regions economic growth.
The virtual event was also attended by Chief ministers and governors of Kerala and Karnataka state.
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said, this pipeline would supply PNG to 400,000 kitchens in Karnataka and supply fuel to various commercial establishments.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also hailed completion of Kochi-Manguluru Pipeline and efforts of GAIL India Ltd.