SRINAGAR: Construction has commenced on the 175-km Gurdaspur-Jammu Tawi natural gas pipeline project, which is projected to provide domestic gas to households in Jammu by 2026.
GAIL (India) Ltd is overseeing the pipeline’s construction along and across the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, with initial work already underway on sectionalising valves in Kathua and Hiranagar.
Officials said that the project entails the development of critical infrastructure, including laying pipes, establishing pumping stations, and creating distribution networks.
“As a cleaner fossil fuel compared to coal and oil, natural gas will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, benefiting the environment and public health. The project aims to ensure an uninterrupted gas supply year-round, regardless of weather or road conditions,” officials stated.
The tentative route of the main trunk pipeline runs from Gurdaspur to Pathankot, Kathua, Samba, and Jammu City, with the originating point at Gurdaspur and the termination point in Jammu City.
The pipeline is designed to transport up to 2 million standard cubic metres per day.
Officials added that the Gurdaspur-Jammu pipeline is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting the natural gas requirements of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Upon completion, the pipeline will supply environmentally friendly fuel to Jammu and, eventually, to Kashmir, enhancing the region’s energy security.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh shared an update via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “The 160-km Gurdaspur-#Jammu Tawi natural gas pipeline project has started, expected to provide domestic gas to households by 2026. GAIL is laying the pipeline alongside the Delhi-#Katra Expressway, with work starting on sectionalising valves in #Kathua and #Hiranagar.” (KNO)
