KOCHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the Kochi-Mangalore Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) pipeline built by GAIL India Ltd to the nation on January 5 through video conference. Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Karnataka Governor Vajbhai Wala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa and Union Oil and Gas and Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will also attend the function. In Kerala, the inaugural venue is in Kochi.

Speaking during a press conference, Manoj Jain, Chairman & Managing Director of GAIL (India), said that this is an important milestone in the expansion of eco-friendly fuels in Kerala and Karnataka. The gas from the Vypin LNG terminal will reach Mangalore in Karnataka via a 444 km pipeline through Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

The petrochemical, energy and fertilizer sectors will get cleaner fuel. This will greatly benefit the growth of gas-based industries. It will also pave the way for the economic growth of both states. Although it started in 2013, construction has accelerated since 2016, overcoming opposition from various corners. Manoj Jain said that the project has received the full cooperation of the governments of Kerala and Karnataka.