Gujarat State Petronet Ltd (GSPL) has successfully commissioned a natural gas pipeline connecting the newly established 5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) LNG import terminal at Chhara, located in Gir-Somnath district, to the national gas grid. The pipeline, with a capacity to transport 18 million standard cubic metres per day (MMSCMD) of gas, has been developed at a cost of Rs. 650 crore.
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The newly commissioned 36-inch diameter pipeline passes through the outskirts of the eco-sensitive zone of the Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the endangered Asiatic lions. The pipeline was commissioned on March 20, 2025, GSPL stated.
Chhara LNG Terminal and Gas Distribution
The Chhara LNG terminal, operated by HPCL LNG Limited, a subsidiary of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), is designed to import liquefied natural gas (LNG)—natural gas that has been super-cooled into a liquid state for easier transportation via ships. After arrival at the terminal, the LNG is regasified and transported to consumers such as power plants and fertilizer units via pipelines.
The pipeline project, linking the HPCL LNG terminal at Chhara to Lothpur in Amreli district, was awarded in September 2023 to Mumbai-based construction firm Ace Pipeline Contracts. The project included:
- Dispatch terminal at Chhara LNG terminal
- Valve stations along the route
- Receiving terminal at Lothpur
To accelerate construction, modern techniques such as automatic welding were employed for laying the 36-inch diameter pipeline.
This pipeline strengthens India’s natural gas infrastructure and supports the government’s goal of increasing natural gas’s share in the energy mix from the current 6.2% to 15% by 2030. By enhancing gas availability, it aids in reducing carbon emissions and advancing clean energy adoption across industrial and power sectors.
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