GAIL signs pact for extension of gas pipeline

New Delhi: GAIL (India) has signed a cooperation agreement with Himachal Pradesh Government for looking at extending the proposed Dadri-Bawana-Nangal natural gas pipeline to the region.

In a statement issued here, GAIL said, “the agreement signed with the Department of Industries provides for enlisting State-level co-operation for extension of the proposed Dadri-Bawana-Nangal natural gas pipeline up to this region.”

Besides, a joint exercise for assessment of the demand potential of natural gas and allied products in the State will be undertaken and for looking into feasibility of extending the proposed natural gas pipeline up to Himachal Pradesh, the statement said. The gas pipeline will bring clean and environment friendly fuel to various consumers in the region, which include industrial, domestic and transport sectors, it said.

Under the co-operation agreement, GAIL will use its technical and commercial expertise to study various options and collate the gas demand potential of the State.

On behalf of State Government, the Department of Industries will act as a nodal agency for facilitating information pertaining to fertiliser, power, industrial, domestic and transport sectors in the State, which have potential to consume gas and CNG as fuel or feedstock, the statement said.

The Department will also coordinate grant of all necessary permissions and clearance for development of gas infrastructure in the State and interact with Government Departments for required issues like data supply.

According to the statement, the agreement also provides for GAIL and the nominated state agency, to identify industrial clusters for distribution of natural gas as fuel and to determine modus operandi for setting up of joint ventures by GAIL in Himachal Pradesh.