Now, digging for GAIL's gas pipelines to take toll on city's roads

As if the existing service providers are not enough to batter roads, the city will now have to put up with the Gas Authority of India Ltd ’s digging of least 660 km of roads.

Bruhat Bengaluru Mahnagara Palike (BBMP) has permitted laying of 447 km of gas pipeline and has raised a demand notice for digging 124 km.

The BBMP has fixed Rs 1,200 per metre as pipeline laying charges, which will be utilised for repairing roads.

A BBMP officer associated with the project said, “From other service providers we charge Rs 1,800 per metre but we will collect only Rs 1,200 per metre as laying charges for GAIL.

The decision to reduce laying charges in the city was taken at a high power meeting.”

He added that GAIL India has sought permission for laying 39 km of pipeline while GAIL Gas has applied for 447 km.

So far, 11 requests have been approved pertaining to 187.64 km and a demand note of Rs 25.89 crore has been released.

He said work has already started in the HSR Layout and it will soon be taken up in other areas of the city including Malleswaram, Nagawara, Sarjapur, Hennur and HBR Layout.

Taking a cue from telecom companies, GAIL has opted for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) in the city in view of its cost advantage.