Indian Oil to Invest ₹2,449 Crore in 425-km Kochi–Thoothukudi Gas Pipeline

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) has announced an investment of approximately ₹2,449 crore for the development of the Kochi–Thoothukudi natural-gas pipeline, marking a significant addition to southern India’s energy infrastructure.New pipeline to have capacity of 6.84 MMSCMD, strengthening natural-gas infrastructure across southern India

The proposed pipeline will extend for about 424.65 kilometres, connecting Kochi in Kerala with Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. Designed with a capacity of 6.84 million metric standard cubic metres per day (MMSCMD), the project is expected to strengthen the transportation network for natural gas and improve supplies to industrial and other consumers in the region.

The investment comes as India continues to expand its natural-gas pipeline network and supporting infrastructure to increase the role of gas in the country’s energy mix. Better pipeline connectivity is particularly important for industries seeking access to natural gas as an alternative to more carbon-intensive fuels.

The Kochi–Thoothukudi corridor could also provide an important infrastructure link between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, two major industrial and consumption centres in southern India. Construction of the pipeline is expected to generate opportunities for engineering, procurement and construction companies as well as suppliers of pipes, valves, compressors and other associated equipment.

Once operational, the pipeline could facilitate natural-gas availability for sectors such as fertilisers, refining, petrochemicals, manufacturing and city-gas distribution, depending on the final customer connections and network configuration.

For Indian Oil, the investment represents another step beyond its traditional refining and fuel-marketing operations into integrated gas infrastructure.

The project is also expected to complement the continuing development of India's national gas grid, improving connectivity between gas sources, terminals and consumption centres while supporting growing industrial energy requirements in southern India.