GAIL executives return to work; pipeline project resumed

• GAIL has also resumed construction of a pipeline project which is estimated to cost Rs 4,815 crore

• Graded measures in the short-to-medium term shall be rolled out starting from April 20, 2020 with the support of local administrative authorities across states, GAIL said

New Delhi: Executives at state-run GAIL (India) Limited resumed work on Monday as part of a staggered revival of operations. The PSU said in a tweet, "Committed to serve the nation during the times of crisis, GAIL executives have resumed their work in offices while ensuring adherence to social distancing norms & sanitization provisions as per the GOI guidelines. #EnergizingPossibilities of defeating #COVID19."

GAIL resumes construction of hydrocarbon infra project

GAIL has also resumed construction of a pipeline project which is estimated to cost Rs 4,815 crore. "GAIL has resumed work on Chandragiri River HDD crossing site Kochi-Koottanad-Bengaluru-Mangaluru Pipeline Project which has an estimated cost of Rs 4,815 crores," it said in a tweet. In order to kick start the crucial infrastructure projects to enable expansion of the gas-based economy, GAIL, along with its subsidiary and JV companies, has chalked out catch-up plans for various locations and work fronts to ensure timely completion and avoid any slippages, an official statement from the PSU said.

GAIL has resumed work on
Chandragiri River HDD crossing site
Kochi-Koottanad-Bengaluru-Mangaluru Pipeline Project which has an estimated cost of Rs 4815 Crores. #IndiaFightsCorona #EnergizingPossibilities pic.twitter.com/dlqWQkXqtw

— GAIL (India) Limited (@gailindia) April 20, 2020

"Graded measures in the short-to-medium term shall be rolled out starting from April 20, 2020 with the support of local administrative authorities across states. The company has in the meanwhile facilitated arrangements for continued stay of the migrant labourers working at various sites/camps during the lockdown period for ensuring safety of all concerned," it added.

Social distancing norms being followed

GAIL has put in place detailed SOPs/protocols for ensuring hygiene and social distancing norms, promoting use of masks at the project sites and work stations in compliance with the instructions/ guidelines issued by the government, it said.

The backdrop

In the meanwhile, GAIL has also maintained safe and uninterrupted supplies of LPG to OMCs and Natural Gas to crucial downstream utilities such as fertilizer, power, refineries and city gas distribution.

Besides ensuring operational commitments, GAIL and its employees have contributed about Rs 54 crore to the 'PM CARES FUND.' In addition, GAIL has so far provided support, aggregating over Rs 3.5 crore, to various district administrations across the country for procuring PPEs, ventilators, masks and other medical equipment. Distribution of food packets, ration kits etc., are also being undertaken for extending immediate support to the marginalised and needy sections of the society, at many locations.