The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has granted authorisation to Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) to lay, build, operate and expand the Kochi–Kanyakumari–Thoothukudi Natural Gas Pipeline (KTPL). The approval has been issued under the PNGRB’s 2008 regulations governing the development of natural gas pipeline infrastructure.
Strengthening Southern gas infrastructure
The proposed pipeline will originate from the Kochi LNG Terminal in Kerala and extend to Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, spanning approximately 425 km. With a system capacity of 6.84 MMSCMD, including common carrier capacity, the project marks a significant step in strengthening natural gas transmission infrastructure across southern India.
Enabling efficient LNG evacuation
KTPL is designed to facilitate the efficient evacuation and transportation of regasified LNG from Kochi to key demand centres across Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu. The pipeline will support a wide range of end-users, including industrial units, power plants, and downstream sectors, while also accelerating the rollout of City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks in the region.
Driving regional energy access and integration
The project is expected to enhance natural gas availability across Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu, improving energy accessibility and supporting economic activity. It will also contribute to strengthening regional gas infrastructure and enable better integration with the national gas grid, reinforcing supply reliability and energy security.
Catalysing cleaner energy adoption
By facilitating greater access to natural gas, KTPL is set to play a key role in promoting cleaner energy usage. The project aligns with the Government of India’s broader objective of increasing the share of natural gas in the country’s energy mix, while reducing carbon emissions and supporting the transition towards a more sustainable energy ecosystem.
IOCL emerges as winning bidder
The authorisation follows a competitive bidding process conducted by PNGRB in line with the applicable regulatory framework. Indian Oil Corporation Limited emerged as the successful bidder after evaluation of technical and financial proposals.
Advancing an integrated gas grid vision
PNGRB reiterated its commitment to enabling robust natural gas infrastructure development across India. The expansion of pipeline networks such as KTPL is seen as critical to building an integrated and resilient national gas grid, supporting long-term economic growth and the country’s clean energy ambitions.