Mizoram Minister Sets Timeline for Natural Gas Pipeline Completion and City Distribution
In a significant development for Mizoram's energy infrastructure, B Lalchhanzova, the state's Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), has expressed strong optimism regarding the progress of the natural gas pipeline project. Speaking at a one-day sensitisation workshop on city gas distribution (CGD) in Aizawl, jointly organised by the FCS&CA department and Tripura Natural Gas Company Limited (TNGCL), the minister outlined ambitious targets for bringing piped natural gas (PNG) to the region.
Pipeline Completion and Distribution Plans
Minister Lalchhanzova highlighted that Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) is on track to complete the laying of the natural gas pipeline up to Sihhmui, near Aizawl, by March 2027. He added that TNGCL is actively working to make PNG available to consumers in Aizawl city and Mamit town by early 2028, with efforts underway to expedite the entire process. The minister served as the chief guest at the workshop, which aimed to raise awareness about the benefits and implementation of city gas distribution systems.
Recalling his recent visit to Agartala in January to inspect the works linking Mizoram with Tripura through the natural gas pipeline, Lalchhanzova noted that PNG has been successfully used in Tripura for over three decades, benefiting more than 60,000 consumers. He emphasized that this experience provides a solid foundation for Mizoram's adoption of natural gas, which is widely utilized across India not only for domestic purposes but also as compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The introduction of PNG in Mizoram is expected to bring substantial economic advantages. Minister Lalchhanzova explained that it would reduce operational costs for hotels and restaurants, potentially transforming the state's economy by providing a cleaner and more affordable energy source. He detailed that once IGGL completes the Panisagar-Sihhmui pipeline, TNGCL will take over the distribution and maintenance from the Sihhmui terminal to Aizawl city, with phased expansion planned for other parts of Mizoram to ensure widespread access.
Pralay Patra, the Managing Director of TNGCL, who attended as the guest of honour, spoke on the environmental benefits of natural gas. He stressed its crucial role in reducing environmental degradation and mitigating global warming, aligning with the Centre's goal to increase natural gas's share to 15% of the national energy mix by 2030. This shift towards cleaner energy sources is part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable development across the country.
Project Details and Progress
The workshop saw participation from senior officials of TNGCL, IGGL, various government departments, and representatives from civil society organizations. Teresy Vanlalhruaii, the Secretary of FCS&CA, provided an update on the pipeline's progress, reporting that IGGL's laying works have achieved 52% completion in welding and 40% in lowering. The Panisagar-Sihhmui pipeline will span 119.5 kilometers with a one-foot diameter, designed to withstand landslides and shocks, passing through key locations including Kanhmun, Zawlnuam, Kawrthah, Tuidam, Darlak, Mamit, and Lengte.
This project is an integral part of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid, with an overall expected completion date by December 2027. Currently, around 45% of the work has been finished, indicating steady advancement towards the targets set by the minister. The initiative represents a major step forward in enhancing Mizoram's energy security and supporting regional economic growth through improved infrastructure.
