State-run Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has received a go-ahead from the Maharashtra Coastal Regulation Zone Authority for construction of a 20-inch diameter pipeline in the Uran-Trombay sector.
The company, now, has received all necessary approvals, which include nod from the ministry of environment and forests and also from the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust. The proposed pipeline would replace the existing 18-inch diameter pipeline in the region, which has already reached its design life of 25 years.
ONGC has launched the implementation of this project as the existing 18-inch diameter pipeline, which carries 3.5 mmscmd of gas to consumers in Trombay, has been showing signs of wearing out, with thickness reduction being observed at few over-ground portions of the pipeline. The proposal to lay a new pipeline was also made keeping in view the increased activity around the pipeline.
According to ONGC sources, ?The project entails an investment of Rs 240 crore and it will be completed by May 2008. The project involves construction of a 20-inch diameter pipeline with a total length of 24 km from Uran to Trombay, of which 8.40 km will be in the marine area, 8.10 km in land area and 7.5 km in marshy area. ONGC plans to set up terminal facilities at Uran and Trombay along with corrosion control stations at Nhava and Sheva.?
The proposed pipeline would be laid parallel to the 36-inch diameter trunk oil pipeline through the existing right of use (RoU) passage, the clearance for which has already been accorded by the environment ministry. The gas pipeline has been designed for a pressure of 52 kg/cm2, with the land portion coated with high quality, polythene, while a coal tar and concrete coating will be applied for the submersible portion.