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Knews Desk– The Indian government is working on a big strategic project to strengthen the country’s energy security and deal with possible global crises in the future. Under this plan, it is proposed to lay a huge gas pipeline under the sea, which will connect India with direct natural gas supply from Middle-East countries.

According to media reports and information from the Petroleum Ministry, this ambitious project is worth approximately Rs 40,000 crore. Its objective is to make India’s gas supply stable and uninterrupted, so that any international crisis or sea route blockage does not impact the country’s energy needs.

Direct underwater pipeline from Oman to India

The name of this proposed scheme is being told as Middle East India Deepwater Pipeline (MEIDP). Under this, about 2000 km long pipeline will be laid under the sea from Oman to Gujarat coast of India. This pipeline will be installed at a depth of approximately 3450 meters of sea, which is considered extremely challenging technically. If the project is successful, it will directly connect India to the gas resources of the Middle East.

Daily supply of 31 million cubic meters of gas

Under this project, a target has been set to supply about 31 million standard cubic meters of natural gas per day from Oman to India. This will be of great help in meeting the increasing energy demand of the country. Currently India’s gas consumption is about 190 to 195 million standard cubic meters per day, which is expected to increase to 290 to 300 million by 2030. In such a situation, this pipeline is being considered very important keeping in mind the future needs.

Relief from Hormuz Strait crisis

Recently, in view of the tension in the Middle East and the possible blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, concerns about India’s energy security had increased. If this sea route is disrupted, India’s LPG and gas supply may be affected. To reduce this risk, this project is being seen as an alternative and permanent supply channel.

Technical preparation and research

The basis of this project is pre-feasibility research conducted by South Asia Gas Enterprise (SAGE). SAGE has already studied the technical possibilities of deep sea gas transport by laying a test pipeline approximately 3000 meters long. About Rs 25 crore was spent on this research, in which tests were conducted on seabed conditions and pipeline installation technology. New technology has made deep sea pipe laying and repair easier and safer than ever before.

From which countries can the supply be connected?

The proposed pipeline will not be limited to Oman only, but in the future it is also likely to be connected to countries like United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkmenistan and Qatar, thereby providing India with a comprehensive energy network.

Role of government companies

The Petroleum Ministry plans to direct public sector companies like GAIL, Engineers India Limited (EIL) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to prepare detailed reports (DFRs) to take the project forward.

If this mega project is successful, it can bring a historic change in India’s energy security. This will not only stabilize the supply of LPG and natural gas, but will also reduce the impact of international crises. This project can give India a big step towards energy self-sufficiency.