Mizoram to get piped natural gas by early 2028, Aizawl and Mamit first in line

Aizawl, Feb 13: The consumers in Mizoram are likely to start using piped natural gas (PNG) by early 2028, with Aizawl and Mamit set to be the first beneficiaries once the gas pipeline reaches Sihhmui near the capital, State Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister B Lalchhanzova said on Thursday.

The minister was addressing a ‘Sensitisation Workshop on City Gas Distribution’ co-organised by the FCS&CA Department and the Tripura Natural Gas Company Limited (TNGCL) at the ATI Auditorium, MINECO, where he was the chief guest.

Recalling his visit to Agartala in January to inspect the progress of works linking Mizoram with Tripura through a natural gas pipeline, Lalchhanzova said that piped natural gas has been in use in Tripura for over 30 years and currently serves more than 60,000 consumers.

He noted that many States are using natural gas not only for household cooking but also as compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles. The introduction of PNG in Mizoram will benefit hotels and restaurants, and can significantly boost the State’s economy, Lalchhanzova said.

He added that once the Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) completes the pipe laying works up to Sihhmui by March 2027, the TNGCL will move in to roll out distribution in Aizawl and Mamit, targeting to install initial consumer connections by early 2028.

The minister said that the workshop was organised to address public queries and clear doubts in advance of the project’s implementation.

TNGCL Managing Director Pralay Patra, who was the guest of honour, highlighted the environmental advantages of natural gas, stating that it can help curb ecological degradation and reduce global warming. He also pointed out that the Government of India aims to raise the share of natural gas in the national energy mix to 15 per cent by 2030, stressing that the initiative is as much about environmental sustainability as it is about economic growth.

Senior TNGCL officials, including Director (Commercial) SC Reang and company engineers, were present, along with representatives of various government departments, civil society organisations, merchants, and media personnel.

FCS&CA Secretary Teresy Vanlalhruaii, who delivered the welcome address, said that the IGGL have completed 52 per cent of the welding works.

According to project details shared during the presentation, the 119.5-km pipeline will run from the Panisagar Terminal in Tripura to a receiving terminal, to be set up at Sihhmui. Designed with safety features to withstand landslides and shocks, the pipeline will pass through Kanhmun, Zawlnuam, Kawrthah, Tuidam, Darlak, Mamit and Lengte.

While the IGGL is executing the pipeline works between Panisagar and Sihhmui, the TNGCL will handle distribution and maintenance from Sihhmui to Aizawl and subsequently expand supply in phases to other parts of Mizoram. The Tripura-Mizoram Gas Pipeline Project – a part of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid – is expected to be completed by December 2027.