Mangaluru– The nation’s largest underground liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage cavern, with a massive capacity of 80,000 metric tonnes, has been successfully completed in Mangaluru. This ambitious project adds a critical energy reserve that can supply LPG during emergencies and demand surges.
Developed by the central government, this new facility joins an existing LPG cavern in Visakhapatnam, which holds up to 60,000 metric tonnes. With its larger size, the Mangaluru cavern now holds the distinction of being the largest LPG storage site in India.
The project was executed by Megha Engineering, and a comprehensive Cavern Acceptance Test (CAT) was carried out between May 9 and June 6 to ensure safety and operational readiness.
This is the third major underground storage cavern in the Mangaluru region. Unlike the Permude (1.5 lakh tonnes) and Padur (2.5 lakh tonnes) storage sites, which are designated for crude oil, this new facility is exclusively for LPG.
Approved in 2018, the construction began in 2019 and was completed at an estimated cost of ₹800 crore. The storage chamber is located 500 meters underground, drilled through solid rock for enhanced safety and structural integrity.
LPG will be delivered to the site via a floating jetty in the sea, and the necessary pipeline infrastructure has already been completed to facilitate smooth transfer.
This strategic addition strengthens India’s energy security infrastructure and boosts preparedness for unforeseen crises.
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