Work on Netravathi crossing for RLNG pipeline under way

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Work on Netravathi crossing for RLNG pipeline under way

If one visits Arkula, on the Mangaluru-Bengaluru NH 75, one can see activities related to the construction of cofferdams to facilitate laying of a pipeline to carry re-gasified liquified natural gas (RLNG), which is of the Kochi-Koottanad-Bengaluru-Mangaluru natural gas pipeline being executed by GAIL India Ltd.

The work is challenging, said Ravish, a representative of contractor T.P. Constructions, pointing to the soil embankment of the cofferdam getting eroded by the high-tide waters in the Netravathi.

“We are the third contractor, after the first two couldn’t execute the work,” he told The Hindu, exuding confidence of completing the work by end of the third week in May.

Dividing the 410m Netravathi basin stretch between Innoli (southern bank) and Arkula (northern bank) into three pieces, the contractor has built cofferdams at both the ends.

“After sinking the welded pipeline in these locations 6m below the riverbed, we will build the cofferdam in the middle of the basin to complete the line,” Mr. Ravish said. Work on RLNG terminal too is under way on the Netravathi northern bank abutting NH 75 to pump gas towards Malavoor and further where the pipeline ends near MCF.

Works on similar river crossings are under way in northern Kerala too: Bharathapuzha in Malappuram district, Chaliyar Puzha in Kozhikode district, and Chandragiri river in neighbouring Kasaragod district.

All the works are expected to be completed in a month. GAIL has to also execute two railway crossings between Arkula and MCF, one under the Mangaluru-Hassan line and the other under the Mangaluru-Mumbai line.

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