Asia's largest underwater hydrocarbon pipeline across Brahmaputra

25 Apr 2023 CW Team

The challenging endeavour of laying a 24-inch diameter hydrocarbon pipeline beneath the mighty Brahmaputra river using the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) method was completed on Friday, marking a major milestone in the construction of the North East Gas Grid (NEGG), which connects North East India to the National Gas Grid.

The total length of the pipeline in this single HDD crossing is 4,080 metres across the Brahmaputra river's main water channel. According to him, this is the longest river crossing by any hydrocarbon pipeline of 24-inch diameter or greater in Asia and the second longest in the world. This one-of-a-kind HDD river crossing was completed using the intersection method, in which two HDD rigs simultaneously began drilling from opposite sides of the Brahmaputra, with the two drilling heads intersecting in the middle at 30 metres beneath the river bed.

The laying of a 4,080-metre pipeline section was completed after overcoming numerous challenges, primarily caused by monsoon rains and flooding, he said. The total length of the HDD crossing the Brahmaputra river, including all major and minor water channels, is 5,780 metres.

The pipeline was constructed in three separate HDD sections of 1000 M, 4080 M, and 700 M lengths, with the first and third sections completed earlier. The next step will be to connect the three sections at two points, 15 M and 8 M below Natural Ground Level (NGL).

"With the completion of the Brahmaputra HDD, IGGL has achieved more than 71% physical progress on the NEGG Project and will be able to complete the Guwahati-Numaligarh section by February 2024," Thakur said. He thanked the Assam government for its assistance in carrying out the project.

Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited is a joint venture between five major oil public sector enterprises: IOCL, ONGC, GAIL, OIL, and ONGC. It is implementing the North East Gas Grid Project connecting the major cities and demand centres of North East India with the National Gas Grid. The 1656 km long natural gas pipeline is constructed at a project cost of Rs 9,265 crore.

Also Read
Pune outer ring road is likely to be delayed due to land rates
PM to inaugurate Kochi water metro, CM calls it ‘dream project’

The Indradhanush Gas Grid (IGGL) has completed Asia's largest underwater hydro-carbon pipeline beneath the Brahmaputra, connecting Jorhat and Majuli in Assam, according to the company's CEO Ajit Kumar Thakur. The challenging endeavour of laying a 24-inch diameter hydrocarbon pipeline beneath the mighty Brahmaputra river using the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) method was completed on Friday, marking a major milestone in the construction of the North East Gas Grid (NEGG), which connects North East India to the National Gas Grid. The total length of the pipeline in this single HDD crossing is 4,080 metres across the Brahmaputra river's main water channel. According to him, this is the longest river crossing by any hydrocarbon pipeline of 24-inch diameter or greater in Asia and the second longest in the world. This one-of-a-kind HDD river crossing was completed using the intersection method, in which two HDD rigs simultaneously began drilling from opposite sides of the Brahmaputra, with the two drilling heads intersecting in the middle at 30 metres beneath the river bed. The laying of a 4,080-metre pipeline section was completed after overcoming numerous challenges, primarily caused by monsoon rains and flooding, he said. The total length of the HDD crossing the Brahmaputra river, including all major and minor water channels, is 5,780 metres. The pipeline was constructed in three separate HDD sections of 1000 M, 4080 M, and 700 M lengths, with the first and third sections completed earlier. The next step will be to connect the three sections at two points, 15 M and 8 M below Natural Ground Level (NGL). With the completion of the Brahmaputra HDD, IGGL has achieved more than 71% physical progress on the NEGG Project and will be able to complete the Guwahati-Numaligarh section by February 2024, Thakur said. He thanked the Assam government for its assistance in carrying out the project. Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited is a joint venture between five major oil public sector enterprises: IOCL, ONGC, GAIL, OIL, and ONGC. It is implementing the North East Gas Grid Project connecting the major cities and demand centres of North East India with the National Gas Grid. The 1656 km long natural gas pipeline is constructed at a project cost of Rs 9,265 crore. Also Read Pune outer ring road is likely to be delayed due to land rates PM to inaugurate Kochi water metro, CM calls it ‘dream project’

Infrastructure Urban

07 Oct 2025

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Oct 2025

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Oct 2025

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..