Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
* Natural Gas infrastructure in the State to be developed
Chandigarh, Indian Oil Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation Limited (PSIDC), Government of Punjab for development of Natural Gas infrastructure, City Gas distribution, supply of natural gas and Total Energy Solutions in the state today.The MoU was inked in the presence of Minister of Industries & Commerce, Punjab, Madan Mohan Mittal by Raminder Singh, IAS, Managing Director/PSIDC and Sh. R K Tiku, General Manager (Gas), Indian Oil Corporation.
On this occasion Mr. Tiku briefed the Minister about the scope of the MoU and investment plans of Indian Oil for the state of Punjab. He also gave details about various initiatives taken by Indian Oil for creating gas related infrastructure in the country. IOAGPL, a JV of Indian Oil, has already begun work on development of City Gas Distribution network in areas of Mohalli, Zirakpur Banpur and Dera Bassi as part of the authorization granted to them for Chandigarh Geographical area. The project envisages an investment of over Rs. 200 Crores in Punjab over the next 3-5 years. In addition, GIGL, another JV of Indian Oil is constructing appx. 2350 kms of Bhatinda-Jammu-Srinagar gas pipeline (BJSPL). As part of this, over 460 kms of gas pipeline will be laid in Punjab with an investment of over Rs. 1200 Crores.
Mr. Mittal appreciated the joint endeavour and said special attention is required to be paid to the energy sector for industrial development in the state. He assured full support of the Punjab Government for the activities envisaged in the MoU.
The others present on this occasion were Sh.Karan Avtar Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce, Government of Punjab, Sh.Avtar Singh Hit, Chairman/PSIDC, Sh.Rajesh Aggarwal, Vice Chairman/PSIDC, Sh.Yogesh Kumar Goel/Additional Managing Director/PSIDC from Government of Punjab and Sh. P K Das, Executive Director, Punjab State Office, Indian Oil Corporation and other senior officials of Indian Oil Corporation.
With these and other gas related project that will be planned jointly by Indian Oil and PSIDC in the state, it is expected that the consumption of natural gas will grow ten times in the next ten years in the state.
