Kerala: The Board of Directors of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (Indian Oil) has accorded investment approval for the Kochi-Kanyakumari-Thoothukudi Natural Gas Pipeline (KTPL) at an estimated cost of ₹2,448.70 crore.
The decision was taken at the company’s Board meeting held on September 21, 2026, as Indian Oil continues to expand its natural gas infrastructure and support greater access to cleaner energy across southern India.
The project involves the laying, building and operation of the KTPL natural gas pipeline, which will connect Kochi in Kerala with Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu.
424.65-Km Pipeline to Connect Kochi and Thoothukudi
The proposed KTPL pipeline will have a total length of 424.65 kilometres and is planned to establish an important natural gas transportation link between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The project is designed with a system capacity of 6.84 million metric standard cubic metres per day (MMSCMD).
Of this, the pipeline will have a minimum common carrier capacity of 1.71 MMSCMD, allowing the infrastructure to support wider access to natural gas transportation.
Key Project Details
- Project: Kochi-Kanyakumari-Thoothukudi Natural Gas Pipeline (KTPL)
- Investment: ₹2,448.70 crore
- Pipeline Length: 424.65 km
- System Capacity: 6.84 MMSCMD
- Minimum Common Carrier Capacity: 1.71 MMSCMD
- Route: Kochi to Thoothukudi
- Approval: Indian Oil Board of Directors
- Approval Date: September 21, 2026
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KTPL to Strengthen Natural Gas Infrastructure in Southern India
The KTPL project is part of Indian Oil’s efforts to strengthen natural gas infrastructure and improve the availability and transportation of natural gas in southern India.
By establishing a dedicated pipeline connection between Kochi and Thoothukudi, the project is expected to support the movement of natural gas across the region and improve access for potential consumers. The pipeline is also aligned with broader efforts to increase the share of natural gas in the country’s energy mix and support the transition towards cleaner energy sources.
Project to Support Energy Requirements in Kerala and Tamil Nadu
The pipeline is expected to strengthen energy infrastructure in Kerala and Tamil Nadu by improving the availability and transportation network for natural gas.
Greater access to natural gas can support industrial and commercial users and contribute to the development of energy-intensive sectors along the pipeline corridor.
The project is therefore expected to play a role in supporting the growing energy requirements of the region while strengthening the natural gas ecosystem in southern India.
Indian Oil Expands Focus on Natural Gas Infrastructure
The investment approval reflects Indian Oil’s continued focus on developing energy infrastructure alongside its existing petroleum refining, fuel marketing and distribution operations.
The company is investing in natural gas infrastructure as part of its broader strategy to diversify its energy portfolio and support the increasing use of gas as a fuel.
Board Meeting Approves Major Infrastructure Investment
The Indian Oil Board meeting began at 11:00 AM on September 21, 2026, and concluded at 1:15 PM.
During the meeting, the Board considered the KTPL proposal and subsequently accorded investment approval for the project at an estimated cost of ₹2,448.70 crore.
KTPL Supports Cleaner Energy Access
Natural gas is widely used across industrial, commercial and other sectors, and expanding pipeline infrastructure can improve the availability and transportation of the fuel.
The KTPL project is expected to facilitate greater access to natural gas in southern India while supporting the development of energy infrastructure in the region.
With its planned capacity of 6.84 MMSCMD, the pipeline is designed to provide significant gas transportation capability along the Kochi-Thoothukudi corridor.
About Indian Oil
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is one of India’s largest integrated energy companies and a leading public-sector oil and gas company. Its operations span refining, petroleum products, pipelines, petrochemicals, natural gas and related energy infrastructure across the country.
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