Motihari-Amlekhgunj Oil Pipeline ready for commercial operation

The landmark Motihari-Amlekhgunj Petroleum Products Pipeline between India and Nepal is now completed and is ready for commercial operation. The testing transfer of the pipeline was successfully completed by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC). As part of trial, diesel was released from Motihari which reached Amlekhgunj.

It is expected to be inaugurated soon by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart K P Sharma Oli.

About Motihari-Amlekhgunj Oil Pipeline

It is a 69 kilometre-long pipeline that will run from Motihari in Bihar to Amelkhgunj in Nepal.

It has been constructed by India in just 15 months, which is half of its 30 months deadline.

Many First: The prestigious project is the 1st oil pipeline in Nepal, 1st transnational petroleum pipeline from India as well as 1st South Asian oil pipeline corridor.

Importance: Since 1974, Nepal has been importing its entire major petroleum products including petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel (ATF) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from India. Annual export worth of these products is more than Rs.8500 crore thus this new oil pipeline will be a game-changer for Nepal as it will ensure smooth, cost effective and eco-friendly supply of petroleum products to Nepal.

It will help in tackling oil storage problem in Nepal and doing away with transportation of petroleum products via tankers.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2019