Context: GAIL (India) Limited has completed the laying of over 97% of the integrated Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline (JHBDPL), under the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Project, which will carry Natural Gas to the eastern and Northern parts of India.
🔌 Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Project
📏 Project Overview
Total Length: Approx. 3384 km
Major Pipeline Components:
• Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline
• Barauni-Guwahati Pipeline
🎯 Objective
To expand India’s natural gas grid across eastern India
Promote cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions
Ensure efficient distribution of natural gas and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
🗺️ States Covered
Uttar Pradesh
Bihar
Jharkhand
Odisha
West Bengal
Assam
🏗️ Implementing Agency
Executed by GAIL (Gas Authority of India Limited)
⚙️ Current Utility
Transporting 12.26 Million Standard Cubic Meters Per Day (MMSCMD) of natural gas
Supplies fuel to:
• Fertilizer plants
• Refineries
• Industrial units
• City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks along the route
🔥 Significance of the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Project
📈 Economic Impact
Boosts economic growth in eastern India by providing: • Access to affordable natural gas
• Support for industrial expansion and employment generationEnables regional integration through the expansion of India’s natural gas grid
Promotes gas pricing reforms to make energy more competitive and transparent
🛡️ Energy Security
Enhances India’s energy security by: • Diversifying the energy mix
• Reducing dependency on conventional fuels like coal and oil
🌱 Environmental Benefits
Offers a cleaner alternative to coal and petroleum-based fuels
Helps reduce carbon emissions, improving air quality and supporting climate commitments
⚡ India’s Transition to a Gas-Based Economy
🔍 What is Natural Gas?
A fossil fuel energy source, primarily composed of methane
Also contains: • Hydrocarbon gas liquids
• Non-hydrocarbon gases like CO₂ and water vapourProcessed into a clean-burning fuel for power generation, industry, and domestic use
🎯 Government Vision
Target: Increase natural gas share in India’s energy mix from ~7% to 15% by 2030
Strategy includes: • Expanding pipeline infrastructure (like Urja Ganga)
• Encouraging domestic production and import of LNG
• Promoting use in transport, industry, and households
🌐 Current Status
India currently imports around 50% of its natural gas needs
Investments in pipelines, terminals, and city gas distribution are key to meeting future demand