RIL, which constructed an INR200 billion worth pipeline from Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh to Bharuch in Gujarat for natural gas transportation from its Krishna-Godavari (KG) basin, will be looking for opportunities globally, as its pipeline division itself has the size of a mid-cap company, said a company executive.
However, the executive said, “We are looking to cash in on our construction and engineering expertise. The successful completion of our first project gives us confidence to grow the business separately.”
RIL also wants to construct two pipelines in India, which are yet to receive the government’s approval. The two projects from Kakinada, to Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu and to Bardhaman in West Bengal, will need the same investment incurred for the first pipeline, said other company sources.
RIL’s first pipeline spans 1,440 kilometers. It was placed into operations five months before, along with the beginning of gas production from the KG basin. The pipeline construction was completed in three years.
