India Plans to Supply LNG to Nepal via River

Inland Waterways Authority of India plans to transport LNG to Nepal byriver under the Jal Marg Vikas project, Businessline reported November 6.

Jal Marg Vikas is a project on the Ganges river, being developed between northern Indian cities of Allahabad and Haldia to cover 1,620 km. The project envisages development of a fairway 3 metres deep, which would enable 1,500 metric ton vessels to sail on the river. Construction of multi modal terminals, jetties, river information system, channel marking, navigational lock, river training and conservancy works are to be undertaken as part of the project. The project is being implemented with technical and investment support from World Bank and would take six years.

“We have decided to dedicate Gazipur terminal for LNG trade,” IWAI vice-chairman Pravir Pandey said November 4 in Kolkata, Businessline reported.

Not only is the Indian government promoting movement via inland waterways, it is also promoting LNG as bunkering fuel for vessels plying these waterways. In September, a significant step was taken when Kolkata Port Trust made provisions to set up LNG bunker storage facilities.

Shardul Sharma