7.4. Oil and gas Pipelines

Pipelines are the most convenient and efficient mode of transporting liquids and gases over long distances. Even solids can also be transported by pipelines after converting them into slurry.

Pipelines are designed specifically for moving substances like liquids (such as oil) and gases (like natural gas) across long distances. They are preferred because they are efficient, meaning they use less energy and resources compared to other transportation methods. Moreover, solids can be transported through pipelines if they are transformed into a slurry, which is a mixture of solids and liquids.

Think of pipelines as highways but for liquids and gases. Just like cars travel faster and with less traffic on highways, liquids and gases also move quickly and efficiently through pipelines without the complications of road traffic.

Oil India Limited (OIL) under the administrative set up of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is engaged in the exploration, production, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas.

Oil India Limited (OIL) plays a crucial role in managing the entire lifecycle of oil and gas, from finding these resources to transporting them to where they are needed. It is part of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, which oversees all oil and gas activities in India, ensuring that there is a stable supply of these essential resources for energy and industry.

Imagine a farmer who grows crops (exploration and production) and then sells them in various markets (transportation). OIL is like that farmer, responsible for both the growth and distribution of oil and gas across the country.

Asia’s first cross-country pipeline covering a distance of 1,157 km was constructed by OIL from Naharkatiya oilfield in Assam to Barauni refinery in Bihar.

This pipeline is significant as it marks the beginning of large-scale pipeline transportation in Asia for oil. The first section of this pipeline stretched 1,157 kilometers, connecting the source of crude oil in Assam to a refinery in Bihar, allowing for more efficient transportation and processing of oil. The pipeline's completion in 1966 was a landmark achievement for energy infrastructure in the region.

Consider this pipeline as the first major route that allowed a new highway to open between two towns, facilitating easier access to goods and services. Just like how highways can revolutionize trade and travel, this pipeline transformed how oil was moved and processed in India.

GAIL (India) Ltd. was set up in 1984 as a public sector undertaking to transport, process, and market natural gas for its economic use.

GAIL works as a crucial company that manages all aspects of natural gas, including its transport and marketing. Established in 1984, it serves to create a reliable network for gas distribution throughout India, making sure that this cleaner fuel is accessible for industries and households alike, thereby fostering economic growth and environmental benefits.

Think of GAIL as the delivery service for grocery stores. Just like they ensure that vegetables and fruits reach the store shelves from farms, GAIL ensures that natural gas reaches homes and factories, enabling them to function effectively.

Overall, India’s gas infrastructure has expanded over ten times from 1,700 km to 18,500 km of cross-country pipelines and is expected to soon reach over 34,000 km as Gas Grid by linking all the gas sources and consuming markets across the country including North Eastern States.

India's gas pipeline network has grown significantly, increasing its capabilities to distribute gas widely across the nation. With the proposed expansion to 34,000 km under the 'Gas Grid' initiative, this infrastructure aims to connect various gas sources efficiently to meet growing energy needs, improving energy security and accessibility, especially in regions that have been previously underserved like the North Eastern States.

Imagine upgrading from a small, local delivery system to a robust national network that can quickly deliver packages anywhere in the country. This expansion of gas pipelines ensures that energy reaches all corners of India, just like a strong delivery service connects cities nationwide.

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