Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL), the Joint Venture (JV) Company of ONGC, IOCL, GAIL, OIL & NRL, has been entrusted by the Govt of India for implementation of the prestigious North East Gas Grid (NEGG) project [approx. 1656 Km natural gas pipeline], spanning across all the eight North-Eastern (NE) states as a part of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Urja-Ganga’ scheme. With cumulative physical progress of 70% by the end of FY 2022-23, IGGL has added another feather to its cap by successfully completing the laying of a 24” diameter hydrocarbon pipeline across the mighty River Brahmaputra on 21 April 2023, setting a record as the largest river-crossing to be executed by HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling) methodology till date in Asia and the second longest river-crossing of 24” diameter (and above) hydrocarbon pipeline in the entire world. The total length of the pipeline in this single HDD crossing is 4080 Metres across the main water channel of the Brahmaputra River.

This one-of-a-kind HDD river crossing was executed by the intersection method, where two HDD rigs were positioned at two sides of the Brahmaputra and the drilling was carried out simultaneously from 2 ends with the intersection in the middle at 30 meters beneath the river bed. The 4080-meter pipeline across the Brahmaputra is a major portion of the Guwahati-Numaligarh Pipeline and is connecting Jorhat to Lakhimpur through Majuli in Assam.

(L-R) HDD Rig at Majuli End     HDD Rig at Jorhat End

Two other HDD crossings, covering lengths of 1000 meters and 700 meters, were completed earlier across the river Brahmaputra. Further, all the 3 sections are to be joined together by welding (TIE-IN) at 2 points located 15 meters and 8 meters below Natural Ground Level (NGL).

TIE-IN-I DRAWING BETWEEN 700M & 4000M SECTION (MAJULI SIDE

TIE-IN-II DRAWING BETWEEN 4000M & 1080M SECTION (JORHAT SIDE)

Under the able leadership of the Chief Project Manager of IGGL, GM (M) Pankaj Patowary who is a highly competent executive from ONGC and is leading the entire Project Team of IGGL, a remarkable feat has been achieved by Team IGGL. Besides the Chief Project Manager, there are five more officials of ONGC who are presently on deputation at IGGL, namely GM (C) Dinesh Sarmah, DGM (P) Jacob Bennet Sema, SE (P) Barnali Gogoi, Manager (HR) Munindra Das, and Sr HRE T Kimhoilhing Haokip who also have their remarkable contributions in the execution of this prestigious feat. It is worth mentioning that this exemplary success would not have been possible without the able guidance of the IGGL Director from ONGC ED- Chief BD & JV Debdulal Adhikari.

Chief Project Manager of IGGL & ONGC GM (M) Pankaj Patowary

Team IGGL

To add up to the glory of the achievement, the honorable Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has also praised the exemplary record set by Team IGGL.

Screenshot of the Tweet by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

This challenging project of crossing the mighty Brahmaputra River was possible because of the relentless pursuit of excellence and untiring efforts from all team members and continuous support from all stakeholders involved in the project. IGGL is now marching ahead with more confidence and zeal to realize Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for developing a sustainable Gas-based Economy in the NE region.