The domestic piped gas service connection project across Assam under the aegis of Purba Bharati Gas Private Limited (PBGPL) is all set to provide connections in Guwahati at the end of 2024.
The project which started in the year 2019-20 got delayed due to the pandemic. However, the project subsequently got a boost in the month of September 2022. Initially, the duration of the project was supposed to be 8 years but according to an official PBGPL will try to complete it within 5 years.
At present, the pipe-laying procedure has been going in full swing across Guwahati. In places like Geetanagar, VIP road, Chachal, Beltola, Hatigaon, Ghoramara, Bhetapara and Ambari, the drilling and laying process has been initiated already.
In other parts of the city such as Ulubari, Zoo Road etc. the pipe laying is yet to be started. In the Noonmati area, the work still remains pending as there are some issues with approval from IOCL, Noonmati. However, according to PBGPL formal discussions are on and soon there will be some development.
Meanwhile, there has been a rise in complaints amongst residents about the lack of proper restoration after PBGPL is done laying the pipes.
Speaking to GPlus, a resident of Ghoramara said, "These projects are becoming a hindrance for daily commute. Continuous construction processes have deteriorated the conditions of every road in Guwahati. Earlier it was the water supply project now it is the Gas pipeline project. Apart from concerns about restoration. The process itself was very tiring for residents. The constant noise of drilling made it difficult for the family members to rest at night. Although now the procedure is over, the pathetic restoration has made it difficult for commuter safety."
While speaking to GPlus, an official from PBGPL said, "The pipe laying process is assigned to contractors, and the restoration too will be handled by them. As far as standard procedures, we acquire permission from PWD and comply with it. After the department goes through the restored patches we are informed whether there are some reworks or not."
Concerns about safety have also been surfacing amongst the citizens as pipe burst accidents were reported earlier. In December 2023, a hydro test led to the severe injury of 3 individuals near the Magzine area of VIP road.
When GPlus tried to unearth the actual reason behind it, the official stated, "As it is in the initial stage, we perform a test by sending water through the pipelines at different pressure rates. This is known as the hydro test. While the test was conducted, a 'track header' exploded as it was used and reused for a significant amount of time. Similar tests will be conducted to ensure the safety of the facility and the citizens. It was unfortunate that it led to the injury of those individuals."
There are two sets of tests- Preliminary and Final. According to the SOP, the hydro test will be conducted with different water pressure or force. Initially, the pressure of water will be set to 25% followed by 50%, 75% and 100%. After raising the force of water to 100% it will be left for 24 hours to check for any possible leaks or faults in the pipelines. Once the reports coincide with safety protocol they will be allowed to be used for the actual purpose.
The method of laying gas pipelines differs from the conventional digging and covering process. There are two kinds of pipes utilised- plastic and steel. Based on the position and size each pipe is laid down accordingly which is further connected to the main (trans) pipeline.
In this method, pipelines are inserted from an entry point and stretched to a few kilometres until there's an exit point. Similarly, pipes are connected and laid throughout the city. As it is a tedious process, most operations are carried out throughout midnight.
"Based on the availability of labour and weather conditions, the duration of the work might take more than an expected time," added the official.
Regarding the safety of laid pipelines, the official mentioned, "We follow the rule which mentions to keep a space of 1.5 metres from the ground above the pipeline. A thick layer of 1.5 metres will cover the pipe. Moreover, frequent testing and X-rays are conducted to check for any irregularities. We even coat the pipes to prevent corrosion. As far as new pipelines are considered there are no chances of leakage. However, just for the additional safety we carry out extensive tests."
Once the project is completed and connections have been provided, there will be around four schemes which will help with the facilitation of domestic connections. The schemes will include all the matters related to registration, installation, security deposit, and administration charges.
"The registration amount will be around ₹275. Similarly, installation will cost around ₹1000 and the security deposit will sum up to ₹7000 approximately. There are even provisions for those who are willing to not deposit the security money. Eventually, everything will be put forward to the public."
While PBGPL is busy with meeting the deadline, only time will reveal whether they will be able to provide the facility to the public in the expected time.
