New Delhi: Engineers India Limited (EIL) has created a global engineering milestone by successfully completing the world’s longest Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) crossing for a 26-inch pipeline, marking a major achievement in India’s energy infrastructure sector.
The record-breaking HDD crossing spans 4,058 metres beneath the Brahmaputra River, surpassing EIL’s own previous world record of 4,027 metres, which was achieved earlier during the Ganga River crossing under the same Paradip–Numaligarh Crude Oil Pipeline (PNCPL) project.
Landmark Engineering Feat in Challenging Conditions
The latest accomplishment reinforces EIL’s expertise in executing large-diameter pipeline projects under complex geological and hydrological conditions. Successfully drilling beneath the Brahmaputra—one of India’s widest and most dynamic rivers—required advanced engineering design, precise execution, and robust risk management.
Industry experts have termed the achievement a global benchmark in HDD technology, particularly for long-distance, large-diameter pipeline construction.
Successful Pipeline Pullback Marks Critical Milestone
The milestone was achieved with the successful pullback of the 26-inch pipeline, one of the most technically demanding stages of HDD operations. This phase involves pulling the pre-fabricated pipeline through the drilled underground bore without causing structural or environmental damage, requiring exceptional coordination and engineering precision.
EIL stated that the successful pullback reflects the company’s commitment to safety, quality, and innovation in project execution.
Strategic Importance of the PNCPL Project
The Paradip–Numaligarh Crude Oil Pipeline (PNCPL) is a 1,635-km strategic pipeline being developed for Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL). The pipeline will transport imported crude oil from Paradip Port in Odisha to Numaligarh in Assam, passing through Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and several northeastern states.
Once commissioned, the pipeline is expected to strengthen India’s energy security, support NRL’s refinery expansion, and contribute to regional economic development through improved infrastructure and employment generation across eastern and northeastern India.
Collaboration and Project Progress
EIL acknowledged the support of Numaligarh Refinery Limited, executing contractors, and other project stakeholders for enabling the successful completion of this complex engineering task. The company said that the Brahmaputra crossing represents a significant step toward the timely completion of this nationally important project.
About Engineers India Limited
Engineers India Limited (EIL) is a leading Indian public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, providing engineering, consultancy, and project management services across the oil, gas, and energy sectors. Known for its expertise in executing large-scale projects, EIL has consistently contributed to India’s energy infrastructure and is increasingly expanding its footprint in international markets.
