India took a significant step towards strengthening its energy infrastructure, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the Capacity Augmentation Project of the Numaligarh–Siliguri Product Pipeline (NSPL) of Oil India Limited in Guwahati on March 13.

 

The Numaligarh–Siliguri Product Pipeline (NSPL) — a 654-km-long, 406 mm (16-inch) diameter cross-country multi-product pipeline — has undergone a major capacity boost. Originally designed to handle 1.72 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA), the pipeline can now transport 5.5 MMTPA, dramatically expanding fuel supply capabilities in the region.

 

The upgrade supports the expansion of Numaligarh Refinery from 3.0 MMTPA to 9.0 MMTPA, a key initiative under the Government of India’s Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for the North-East, aimed at strengthening energy security and industrial growth in the region.

 

The enhanced capacity was achieved by modernizing critical infrastructure along the pipeline network. Key upgrades include converting pigging stations at Sekoni, Guwahati, Bongaigaon and Madarihat into intermediate pumping stations, strengthening pumping facilities at the Numaligarh Dispatch Terminal, and upgrading systems at the Siliguri Receipt Terminal to improve operational efficiency and safety.

 

Executed as a brownfield project, the pipeline expansion was completed at a cost of approximately ₹750 crore, significantly below the approved budget of ₹860 crore. The project optimized existing assets while delivering substantial cost savings.

 

Beyond infrastructure gains, the project also generated major employment opportunities. During its more than three-year execution period, it created around 4.1 million man-hours of work across Assam and West Bengal.

 

Officials say the project marks a major milestone in strengthening petroleum product transportation infrastructure in the North-Eastern region, reinforcing supply chains and advancing India’s long-term energy security goals.