Residents of select localities in Urwa Store and Mallikatte in Mangaluru are expected to receive Piped Natural Gas (PNG) in their homes within two months, pending successful infrastructure implementation. GAIL Gas Limited has devised an alternative plan after facing challenges in crossing the main pipeline through the Gurupura river near Kulur bridge. The new plan involves transporting natural gas to a decompressor unit located behind the Infosys campus in Urwa, and then channeling it through a pipeline to Mallikatte and nearby areas.
Sai Shankar, General Manager and in-charge of GAIL India Limited Mangaluru, confirmed that this would be a temporary solution until they can establish the main pipeline across the river. So far, GAIL has provided PNG connections to nearly 3,500 households in Suratkal, Bondel, and Kavoor, with over 1,000 households already using the gas. Additionally, 20 commercial units in the Baikampady industrial area have also started using the natural gas.
At a recent gathering presided over by Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta, GAIL officials outlined various obstacles hindering the project’s progress in Mangaluru. They reported having installed gas meters in around 46,000 households across the city, but activation of the gas lines remains pending due to approval delays from the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC). Furthermore, damages to gas pipelines caused by other agencies during excavation for utility networks have added to the delays.
Despite laying over 5,500 km of pipeline in Mangaluru, GAIL is still awaiting MCC’s approval to begin charging those lines. The MP announced the formation of a committee with representatives from GAIL India Limited, Mescom, MCC, telecom companies, and others to improve coordination and expedite project completion. The committee will meet regularly to address arising issues.
Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP directed GAIL officials to create a phased implementation roadmap for the city. Mangaluru City MLA D Vedavyas Kamath and Mangaluru City North MLA Dr. Y Bharath Shetty were also present at the meeting.
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