India’s Largest Underground LPG Cavern Completed in Mangaluru

Mangaluru: In a landmark achievement for India’s energy infrastructure, the country’s biggest underground LPG storage facility—holding 80,000 metric tonnes—has been successfully constructed at Bala near Mangaluru. The project was executed by Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL) on behalf of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), marking a major stride in bolstering the nation’s strategic fuel reserves.

This is only the second such underground LPG cavern in India and plays a vital role in strengthening energy security and maintaining uninterrupted access to clean fuel. The structure can accommodate around six lakh barrels or 60 million litres of LPG. It consists of two cavern chambers—one for storing 40,000 MT of Propane and the other for 60,000 MT of Butane.

Built at a total cost of ₹854 crore, the facility passed all critical evaluations. MEIL confirmed the project’s completion on June 6 through an official post on ‘X’. The key testing phase—Cavern Acceptance Test (CAT)—was conducted from May 9 to June 6 using a thorough three-stage process.

The test began with gradual pressure build-up to 8.310 kg/cm², followed by a 100-hour pressure hold with vents sealed to check for leaks. The final stage involved depressurising to ensure system stability and safety. The cavern successfully passed all stages, confirming its readiness for safe LPG storage.

The facility, an engineering feat, includes a 1,083-metre entry tunnel, upper and lower water curtains, and vertical and horizontal shafts, with caverns placed over 220 metres below ground.

This milestone enhances India’s energy resilience amid rising demand.

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