Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the capacity augmentation project of the Numaligarh–Siliguri Product Pipeline (NSPL) operated by Oil India Limited at a public meeting in Guwahati.
The brownfield project was completed at a cost of about ₹750 crore, below the approved outlay of ₹860 crore, the company said.
The Numaligarh–Siliguri Product Pipeline is a 654-km cross-country multi-product pipeline with a 406 mm (16-inch) diameter. It was originally designed to transport 1.72 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA).
Following the upgrade, the pipeline’s capacity has increased to 5.5 MMTPA. The expansion is intended to support the planned increase in capacity of the Numaligarh Refinery from 3.0 MMTPA to 9.0 MMTPA under the Government of India’s Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for the North-East.
Infrastructure upgrades along the route
The capacity augmentation involved upgrades to existing infrastructure along the pipeline. Pigging stations at Sekoni, Guwahati, Bongaigaon and Madarihat were converted into intermediate pumping stations.
Oil India also expanded pumping facilities at the Numaligarh dispatch terminal and upgraded facilities at the Siliguri receipt terminal to improve operational efficiency and safety.
During the execution phase, the project generated around 4.1 million man-hours of employment over more than three years across Assam and West Bengal.
According to the company, the project is expected to strengthen petroleum product transportation infrastructure in the North-East and support India’s energy security.
This development comes during the Prime Minister’s two-day visit to Assam, during which he will lay the foundation for projects worth ₹47,000 crore across roads, railways, energy, and gas infrastructure.
