LPG pipeline to reduce gas tanker accidents from Nov 2016 along NH 75

LPG pipeline to reduce gas tanker accidents from Nov 2016 along NH 75

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, April 22, 2016: Given the possibility of all going according to plan, the proposed Mangaluru Hassan-Mysuru-Yediyoor LPG pipeline will become operational, end October or early November 2016. This gas pipeline will save very many LPG tanker accidents happening,  a nightmare for people residing on either side of the national highway 75.

In 2015-16, 30 LPG and petroleum tanker accidents have taken place under Mangalore LPG Import Facility (MLIF). There are about 536 contract LPG tankers registered under MLIF.  This project was halted in Jokatte due to opposition from villagers leaving MLIF authorities staring at a deficit of 250 metres length of the pipeline. But, HPCL officials are now sure that the project will see the light of day. "Gas supply project is expected to start by end of September and it will reduce LPG gas tanker traffic on NH-75 in a big way, " said HPCL official.

The estimated length of the gas pipeline project is about 356 km. In all, 250 LPG bullet tankers belonging to HPCL, IOCL and BPCL ply to various destinations from Mangaluru every day. Of them, 150 pass via Shiradi Ghat towards Bengaluru and Tamil Nadu, 70 tankers to Karwar and rest towards Kerala. According to sources, majority of the gas tanker accidents take place on the NH 75 stretch.

People adjacent to NH always live in fear and Perne gas tanker accident in 2013 near Uppinangady is an example --- eight people had been killed and dozens of injured apart from destruction of property. The danger to life and property is an ever present fear in this context now.