Auto union demands separate gas line

Less than a fortnight after a pipeline of GAIL supplying natural gas to Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) was damaged at Wadala, resulting in a massive disruption of gas supply, the auto union has demanded that a separate supply line running parallel to the existing one should be set up so that it serves as a backup in times of emergency. The union made this demand in a recent meeting with the MGL officials.

Thampy Kurien, an auto union leader elaborated on the union’s demand. “Presently, the CNG supply line that runs from Uran to the City Gate at Wadala is the only medium through which gas is being brought into the city. There is no backup line on which the supply could be shifted in times of emergency. Thus, we have asked them to setup a parallel line, which could serve as a backup.”

The managing director of MGL, Vipin Chandra Chittoda sought to assure that the company has already framed augmentation plans which will address these concerns. “We are making arrangements to ensure that there are more sources from which we get CNG.” When Chittoda was asked how long it would take to execute the plans, he said, “It depends on how quick permissions from the government and the regulatory agencies are received.” He added that GAIL had given an in-principal approval to the augmentation plans.