40% of gas pipeline work in Nagaland likely by December—IGGL

DIMAPUR — The Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL), which is executing the North-East Gas Grid (NEGG) Dimapur–Imphal Pipeline Project, said around 40% of the work in Nagaland is expected to be completed by December 2025, while the overall project deadline has been revised to March 2027.

The update was provided following a site inspection on Tuesday by Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B Henok Buchem, along with officials from the Revenue Department, Sechü-Zubza SDO, IGGL, the Department of Geology and Mining, DPRO Kohima, and contractors of the NEGG project and NHIDCL.

Contractors highlighted challenges in executing the work due to multiple factors, and minor issues between NHIDCL and IGGL were reportedly resolved on-site, according to a DIPR update.

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The DC stressed that the pipeline should be laid on the hillside of the National Highway right of way, citing unstable geology and village concerns. He also urged that work continue through the monsoon, as Kohima experiences rainfall throughout the year.

Expressing dissatisfaction over progress and insufficient personnel deployment by the contractor, the DC asked for immediate deployment of additional teams. Contractors assured that demarcation of re-routed alignment would be completed by October 31, and pipeline laying would continue on stretches where right of use is available.

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The DC also urged contractors to devise alternative strategies to ensure timely completion and assured the district administration’s support in monitoring and implementation of the project.

IGGL officials expressed gratitude for the review and briefed the team on technical processes, including stringing of pipes, welding, copper slag blasting and coating, laying of warning mesh, cathodic protection, and trenching activities.

The North-East Gas Grid Project, part of the Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for Northeast India, aims to improve energy infrastructure and connectivity in the region.