Major energy milestone: Oil India and Indra Dhanus sign game-changing gas agreements for North-East India

In a landmark development for India’s energy sector, Oil India Limited (OIL) and Indra Dhanus Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) have signed pivotal hook-up agreements that promise to transform natural gas infrastructure in North-East India. The agreements, formalized on August 31, 2024, during a ceremony at OIL’s field headquarters in Duliajan, represent a significant step towards enhancing regional energy access and supporting the nation’s transition to a gas-based economy.

The agreements were signed by Shri Anfor Ali Haque, Resident Chief Executive of Oil India Limited, and Dr. Ajit Kumar Thakur, CEO of Indra Dhanus Gas Grid Limited, in the presence of Dr. Ranjit Rath, Chairman and Managing Director of Oil India Limited, and senior officials from both organizations. The event underscored the collaborative efforts to boost energy infrastructure in one of India’s most strategically important regions.

Connecting Key Gas Fields and Infrastructure

The hook-up agreements will integrate OIL’s natural gas fields in upper Assam with the Duliajan Feeder Line of the North-East Gas Grid, a crucial component of the regional infrastructure that facilitates the distribution of natural gas across the North-East. This connection will enhance the capacity to transport natural gas from one of India’s prolific gas-producing regions to key markets.

Furthermore, the agreements facilitate the evacuation of natural gas from OIL’s DSF block in Tripura through IGGL’s 12” NB x 86 km Agartala-Tulamura pipeline. This pipeline is designed to improve the transportation of gas from Tripura, a state with substantial natural gas reserves, to regional and national markets, thereby supporting increased energy security and economic development in the region.

Strategic Significance and Economic Impact

These agreements align with the Indian government’s broader strategy to boost energy infrastructure and support a gas-based economy. The North-East region, rich in natural resources, has long been a focal point for expanding India’s energy capabilities. The enhanced connectivity promised by these agreements is expected to drive significant economic benefits, including increased job creation and investment opportunities in the region.

Oil India Limited, a major state-owned enterprise, has been at the forefront of energy development in India, focusing on expanding its natural gas operations and infrastructure. Indra Dhanus Gas Grid Limited, a key player in the regional gas distribution network, brings valuable expertise in pipeline infrastructure and gas management.

The partnership between OIL and IGGL highlights a commitment to improving energy access and infrastructure, crucial for supporting the region’s growth and integration into the national energy grid. By enhancing gas transport capabilities and infrastructure, these agreements are poised to play a pivotal role in India’s energy transition and economic development.

In conclusion, the signing of these hook-up agreements marks a significant milestone in the development of North-East India’s natural gas infrastructure, reinforcing the commitment of Oil India Limited and Indra Dhanus Gas Grid Limited to advancing regional and national energy goals.