The capacity augmentation project of the Numaligarh-Siliguri product pipeline (NSPL) of Oil India Limited (OIL) was inaugurated on March 13, 2026.
The 406 mm (16-inch) diameter cross-country multi-product pipeline spans 654 km. The pipeline has been upgraded to handle a capacity of 5.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), up from the initial design for 1.72 mtpa. It has been completed with a cost of around Rs 7.5 billion. The move comes as a support to the expansion of the Numaligarh Refinery from 3 mtpa to 9 mtpa. The capacity augmentation was carried out by upgrading the existing infrastructure. The pigging stations at Sekoni, Guwahati, Bongaigaon and Madarihat were converted into intermediate pumping stations. Further, the pumping facilities at the Numaligarh dispatch terminal was augmented and the facilities at Siliguri receipt terminal were upgraded to enhance operational efficiency and safety.
Further, Phase I of the North East Gas Grid (NEGG) of Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) was also inaugurated on March 13, 2026.
The network spans around 553 km and traverses across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. It will expand the natural gas connectivity to the north bank of the Brahmaputra, and enable linkages with the city gas distribution (CGD) networks, various industries, untapped gas reserves of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and major consumers. The move marks a notable milestone in strengthening the natural gas infrastructure in the North-eastern region. It has been implemented under the Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for the North-East, is expected to provide better access to cleaner fuels and strengthen energy security across the region.