Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited is constructing a 119.45-km natural gas pipeline from Panisagar in northern Tripura to Aizawl to bring piped cooking fuel to households in Mamit and Aizawl districts, with the first connections expected by early 2028 under the Northeast Gas Grid Project.
Key Takeaways
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Mizoram expects household piped natural gas connections by early 2028 through the Panisagar-Aizawl pipeline.
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IGGL is building the 119.45-km pipeline at an estimated cost of Rs 491 crore to connect Mizoram with TNGCL.
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The project will initially cover Mamit and Aizawl districts, with the pipeline expected to reach Mamit by March-April 2027 and Sihhmui by March-April 2028.
Mizoram is preparing to introduce piped natural gas (PNG) for household cooking, with a new pipeline linking Tripura to Aizawl expected to improve access to reliable fuel. Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) is constructing the 119.45-km pipeline, which will connect the state to the Tripura Natural Gas Company Limited (TNGCL) network. Officials expect the project to bring PNG connections to consumers in the first two districts by early 2028.
Mizoram Piped Gas Project Aims to Reduce LPG Dependence
Mizoram expects piped natural gas to offer households a more dependable alternative to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister B. Lalchhanzova said international conflicts and disruptions to energy supplies had caused periodic LPG shortages in the state. These shortages have affected household cooking arrangements and highlighted the need for a more reliable fuel supply.
The minister made these remarks during a visit to Tuidam in Mamit district on Monday. Accompanied by senior officials, he inspected the ongoing construction of the Panisagar-Aizawl pipeline.
The project forms part of the Northeast Gas Grid initiative, which aims to expand natural gas infrastructure across the Northeastern states.
According to Lalchhanzova, the wider project involves an investment of around Rs 9,265 crore to lay 1,656 km of natural gas pipelines across the region. The network aims to improve access to natural gas and strengthen the availability of cooking fuel.
Rs 491 Crore Pipeline to Connect Mizoram With Tripura
IGGL is developing the Panisagar-Aizawl pipeline at an estimated cost of Rs 491 crore. The project will connect Mizoram with the natural gas network operated by TNGCL in Tripura.
The pipeline will initially serve Mamit and Aizawl districts. Officials expect it to reach Mamit town by March-April 2027. The line is scheduled to reach Sihhmui in Aizawl district by March-April 2028.
After IGGL completes the main pipeline, TNGCL will begin providing PNG connections to households and other consumers in the two districts, Lalchhanzova said.
The project is expected to make cooking fuel more accessible and convenient for residents. It will also expand the availability of natural gas beyond its existing consumer base in Tripura.
The pipeline’s total length will be 119.45 km. Of this, approximately 15.105 km will pass through six villages in Tripura. The remaining 104.345 km will cross 20 villages in Mizoram before reaching Aizawl.
Minister Seeks Faster Construction and Government Coordination
Lalchhanzova urged IGGL officials to accelerate construction so that residents could receive piped gas as early as possible. He also assured the company of the full cooperation of the Mizoram government in completing the project.
The minister stressed the need for close coordination among government departments, district administrations and local communities. He said effective cooperation would help keep the project on schedule.
During the inspection, Lalchhanzova also reviewed infrastructure concerns along the approach road to Tuidam.
Officials identified several stretches along a 1.5-km section of the pipeline route that require widening. They discussed the issue at the construction site to avoid conflicts between pipeline work and existing road repair plans.
IGGL and Public Works Department (PWD) officials held discussions to coordinate their activities. The coordination aims to ensure that pipeline construction does not interfere with planned road improvement work.
Mizoram Also Eyes CNG for Vehicles
The availability of natural gas could open the door to introducing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for vehicles in Mizoram. Lalchhanzova expressed hope that the state would follow other states that use CNG as a transport fuel.
Introducing CNG could help Mizoram reduce its dependence on conventional liquid fuels. However, the immediate priority remains completing the pipeline and extending PNG connections to households and other consumers.
The project’s progress and timely completion will determine when residents in the two districts can begin using piped natural gas.
IGGL and TNGCL Drive Regional Gas Connectivity
IGGL is implementing the pipeline as part of the Northeast Gas Grid. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), GAIL (India) Ltd, Oil India Ltd (OIL) and Assam’s Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) promote the company as a joint venture.
TNGCL currently supplies natural gas to domestic, commercial, industrial and transport consumers across several districts of Tripura.
Established on July 10, 1990, TNGCL is a joint venture involving GAIL (India) Ltd, Tripura Industrial Development Corporation Ltd and Assam Gas Company Ltd.
The Panisagar-Aizawl pipeline will extend this regional gas connectivity into Mizoram. Its completion is expected to give households in Mamit and Aizawl districts access to piped cooking fuel while creating scope for wider natural gas use in the state. (Edited by Enewstime Desk)