Aizawl, Mamit likely to get piped natural gas by 2028

Aizawl: Mizoram’s minister for food, civil supplies and consumer affairs (FCS&CA), B Lalchhanzova expressed optimism that Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) will complete the laying of the natural gas pipeline up to Sihhmui near Aizawl by March 2027.

He added that Tripura Natural Gas Company Limited (TNGCL) is aiming to make piped natural gas (PNG) available to consumers in Aizawl city and Mamit town by early 2028, with efforts underway to expedite the process.Lalchhanzova was speaking as chief guest at a one-day sensitisation workshop on city gas distribution (CGD) in Aizawl, jointly organised by the FCS&CA department and TNGCL. He recalled his recent visit to Agartala in Jan to inspect works linking Mizoram with Tripura through the natural gas pipeline, noting that PNG has been in use in Tripura for over three decades, benefitting more than 60,000 consumers.The minister said natural gas is widely used across India, not only for domestic purposes but also as compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles. He said the introduction of PNG in Mizoram would reduce costs for hotels and restaurants and could significantly transform the state’s economy.He explained that once IGGL completes the Panisagar-Sihhmui pipeline, TNGCL will handle distribution and maintenance from the Sihhmui terminal to Aizawl city, with phased expansion planned for other parts of Mizoram.

TNGCL managing director Pralay Patra, attending as guest of honour, spoke on the environmental benefits of natural gas, stressing its role in reducing degradation and mitigating global warming. He said the Centre aims to raise natural gas’s share to 15% of the national energy mix by 2030.Senior officials from TNGCL, IGGL, and various govt departments, along with representatives from civil society organisations, attended the workshop. FCS&CA secretary Teresy Vanlalhruaii reported that IGGL’s pipeline laying works have achieved 52% completion in welding and 40% in lowering. The Panisagar-Sihhmui pipeline will span 119.5km, with a one-foot diameter, designed to withstand landslides and shocks, passing through Kanhmun, Zawlnuam, Kawrthah, Tuidam, Darlak, Mamit, and Lengte.The project, part of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid, is expected to be completed by Dec 2027, with around 45% of work already finished.