CHENNAI: Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOC) has set in motion the process of laying two petroleum product pipelines, one between Chennai and Bangalore and another for moving aviation turbine fuel from its Manali refinery to the Chennai airport.

Besides facilitating safe, environment-friendly and easier movement of products, the pipelines are expected to reduce pollution and road congestion.

At present, the products are being transported by tanker trucks.

Pipeline transfers are considered secure. Suspecting that much of the adulteration takes place during transport by road, M. Nageswaran, General Manager, Regional Services, IOC, says the quality of products would be assured once transportation begins through pipelines.

While the route survey for the 290-km-long Chennai-Bangalore pipeline has been completed and soil investigation is in progress, tendering process for the aviation turbine fuel pipeline is likely to begin in two-three months.

Tap-off point

A decision on the tap-off point in Andhra Pradesh, for the Chennai-Bangalore pipeline is yet to be taken, Mr. Nageswaran told The Hindu . It could either be Tada or Chittoor.

A proposal to lay a pipeline from Chittoor to Kurnool through Cuddapah is in a nascent stage. If it is approved, Tada will not be considered for the tap-off point.

The Chennai-Bangalore pipeline, estimated to cost Rs.300 crore, is likely to be completed in 2008.

The aviation fuel pipeline will replace tanker trucks that supply 1,200 kilolitres daily.

IOC expects fuel consumption to go up, from the present 800 kilolitres a day, in view of the growth in the number of air carriers.

The two facilities will widen the network of the oil refining and marketing company in south India, where the Chennai-Tiruchi-Madurai pipeline is awaiting formal commissioning. After months of trial run, the nearly 690-km-long cross-country pipeline has started moving products regularly.

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