Parliament Question: Kochi-Kanyakumari-Thoothukudi Natural Gas Pipeline Project

**Executive Summary** This document addresses Unstarred Question No. 95 in Lok Sabha regarding the Kochi-Kanyakumari-Thoothukudi Natural Gas Pipeline Project, scheduled for answering on January 29, 2026. It outlines the project's current status, addresses concerns from farmers and local communities, details technical specifications for pipeline laying, and describes mitigation strategies to minimize disruption during construction. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is the central authority. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Project Authorization and Bidding:** * PNGRB is authorized to grant permission for Natural Gas Pipeline projects. * PNGRB issued a public notice on October 17, 2024, inviting bids for the Kochi-Kanyakumari-Thoothukudi Natural Gas Pipeline (KKTPL) project under Regulation 5 of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Authorizing Entities to Lay, Build, Operate or Expand Natural Gas Pipelines) Regulations, 2008. * The bidding process is complete and authorization to the successful bidder will be done by PNGRB. * **Stakeholder Concerns:** * Concerns from farmers and local communities are addressed before acquiring Right of User in land for the pipeline. * A Competent Authority, notified under section 2(a) of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, hears these concerns. * **Technical Specifications:** * The authorized entity must comply with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards for Natural Gas Pipelines) Regulations, 2009. * These regulations cover various aspects, including pipeline design, materials, equipment, welding, fabrication, and installation (depth of burial, construction methodology like open trench or horizontal directional drilling, and warning mats). * They also cover testing, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and corrosion control of natural gas pipelines, including safety requirements. * **Land Restoration:** * Backfilling must be done immediately after the pipeline is laid, using excavated soil unless unsuitable. * Backfill material must be free of extraneous material and hard lumps. * In cultivable land, topsoil must be stored separately and restored. * Agricultural land must be restored to its original condition after pipeline laying to allow for cultivation. **Impact Analysis** **Successful Bidder** * **Impact** * The successful bidder for the KKTPL project is required to comply with PNGRB's technical standards and regulations. They will be responsible for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the pipeline, including ensuring safety standards and land restoration. * **Action Required** * Upon authorization by PNGRB, the successful bidder must adhere to the Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards for Natural Gas Pipelines Regulations, 2009. **Farmers and Local Communities** * **Impact** * Farmers and local communities are potentially impacted by the construction of the pipeline on agricultural lands. The government addresses the concerns of the farmers and local communities regarding the potential impact of the project on agricultural lands. The project includes measures to minimize disruption during construction and restore land to its original condition after laying the pipeline. * **Action Required** * Engage with the Competent Authority, notified under section 2(a) of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, to express their concerns before the acquisition of land rights. **Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)** * **Impact** * PNGRB is responsible for granting authorization, overseeing compliance with regulations, and ensuring safety and environmental standards are met. * **Action Required** * Grant authorization to the successful bidder. Enforce Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards for Natural Gas Pipelines Regulations, 2009.

Key Entities Referenced