Pipelines in India: Energy Distribution and Development

Pipelines in India are vital for transporting oil, gas, and petroleum products safely and affordably. Their extensive network ensures a steady supply chain across the nation, from production sites to refineries and industrial hubs. This mode of transportation, once primarily for water, now facilitates the movement of crucial resources, enabling inland development and reducing logistical challenges.

Overview of Pipeline Transportation in India: Key to Oil and Gas Distribution

India’s Advancements and Contributions: 

• • Government’s 2002 Policy Shift: In November 2002, the government made a significant decision to deregulate the oil sector and encourage investment in petroleum product pipelines. 
    • They introduced a new policy for laying pipelines across the country, based on the common carrier principle.

• • Expansion of India’s Pipeline Network: India’s underground pipeline network has significantly expanded in recent decades, aiding in the seamless supply chain of oil, petroleum, and gas.
  • India’s Prominence in Oil Pipeline Development: India ranks among the top five developers of oil pipelines, with significant projects under construction and proposed, according to Global Energy Monitor.
  • Current Status: The country is constructing 1,630 km of oil transmission pipelines, ranking second globally in ongoing pipeline projects.
    • Proposed an additional 1,194 km, securing the 10th spot internationally.

• Leading Companies in Oil Pipeline Development:  include both government-owned and private firms: Iran’s Ministry of Petroleum, China National Petroleum Corporation, Iraq’s Ministry of Oil, India’s Numaligarh Refinery Limited (India), and France’s TotalEnergies.

• Proposed Longest Oil Pipelines in India: The Paradip Numaligarh Crude Pipeline is currently being built, and the New Mundra-Panipat Oil Pipeline is planned. 

• These pipelines will rank among the longest in the world.

Key Pipeline Networks in India

• There are  three important networks  of pipeline transportation in the country: 
• Asia’s First Cross-Country Pipeline: Asia’s first cross-country pipeline was constructed by OIL from the Naharkatiya oilfield (Assam) to the Barauni refinery (Bihar)  via Guwahati. 
  • It was further extended up to Kanpur in 1966. 
• Salaya to Jalandhar: From Salaya in Gujarat to Jalandhar in Punjab, via Viramgam, Mathura, Delhi and Sonipat.
• Hazira(Gujarat)-Vijaipur-Jagdishpur(UP) HVJ: First interstate natural gas pipeline, constructed by GAIL, linked Mumbai High and Bassein gas fields with various fertiliser, power and industrial complexes in western and northern India. 
  • The project started in 1986.

Advantages of Pipeline

• Environment Friendly: Petroleum products, crude oil, and gas transportation via pipelines are considered the most economical, safest, and eco-friendly mode.

• Versatility of Pipelines: Pipelines enable the transportation of solids, converted into slurry, to remote locations
  • Examples:  Barauni, Mathura, Panipat, etc
• Cost Efficiency: Despite the high initial laying costs, pipeline operations incur minimal ongoing expenses and eliminate trans-shipment losses or delays.

Key Considerations in Pipeline Construction

• Outdated Infrastructure: New pipelines often need to be constructed in areas already served by existing infrastructure, which may be outdated or insufficient due to underestimated capacity or advancements in drilling technology.
• Adaptability in Pipeline Construction: Pipeline projects must be adaptable to add onto existing infrastructure and replace outdated pipelines.
• Securing Right of Way: for pipeline construction over vast stretches of land can be challenging, particularly when dealing with individual landowners for smaller lines and wells.
• Terrain Challenges: Terrain variations such as extreme weather, mountainous regions, and changes in elevation pose significant challenges during construction.
• Geopolitical Regulatory Hurdles: Pipelines traverse various political jurisdictions, each with its own regulations and building codes, leading to potential delays if not adequately addressed.
• Strategic Planning: Early planning and partnering with a knowledgeable surveying partner can help navigate geopolitical issues and streamline the approval process for pipeline projects.

Conclusion

• India’s pipeline infrastructure has witnessed remarkable growth, facilitating economic development and reducing dependence on traditional modes of transportation. 
• With ongoing and proposed projects, such as the Paradip Numaligarh Crude Pipeline and the New Mundra–Panipat Oil Pipeline, the country is poised to further enhance its energy transport capabilities, paving the way for sustained progress in the oil and gas sector.

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