Mizoram’s Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Pu B. Lalchhanzova, visited Agartala on Wednesday, January 14, to review progress and assess the implementation of the Tripura–Mizoram Natural Gas Pipeline Project, a crucial part of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid.
During the visit, the Minister held detailed discussions with officials from Tripura Natural Gas Corporation Limited (TNGCL) and Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGCL). The delegation also inspected key natural gas facilities, including PRAN Beverages (India) Pvt. Ltd., the largest consumer of natural gas in Tripura, the Tripura Industrial Growth Centre, CNG stations, and the ONGC headquarters. In addition, they visited Subham Solitaire, a residential complex where around 330 households are connected through piped natural gas for cooking.
Addressing officials and stakeholders, Pu B. Lalchhanzova said the visit was aimed at understanding Tripura’s natural gas usage model and exploring the possibility of implementing similar systems in Mizoram. He highlighted the benefits of piped natural gas as a cleaner, safer, and more efficient cooking fuel, with wide applications across domestic, commercial, industrial, and transport sectors.
The Minister emphasized that a reliable gas supply would significantly benefit large-scale industries in Mizoram, contributing to economic growth and creating employment opportunities for unemployed youth. He urged officials and workers associated with the project to work with dedication to ensure its timely completion. Officials from IGCL and TNGCL expressed their appreciation to the Mizoram Government for its continued cooperation and support.
According to project details, the natural gas pipeline will originate from the Panisagar Terminal in Tripura and terminate at a receiving terminal in Sihhmui, Mizoram. The 119.5-kilometre-long pipeline, with a diameter of one foot, will pass through Kanhmun, Zawlnuam, Kawrthah, Tuidam, Darlak, Mamit, and Lengte.
IGCL will be responsible for laying the Panisagar–Sihhmui pipeline, while TNGCL will handle gas distribution and maintenance from the Sihhmui terminal to Aizawl city. Gas supply to Aizawl and other parts of Mizoram is expected to begin once the necessary infrastructure is in place. The project is slated for completion by December 2027.
The Minister was accompanied by senior FCS&CA officials, including Secretary Pi Teresy Vanlalhruaii, Additional Secretary Dr. A.S. Andrew H. Vanlaldika, and Director Pi Saizikpuii.
Speaking to India Today NE, TNGCL Managing Director Pralay Patra said the delegation visited to understand gas operations and distribution systems firsthand. “We will be supplying gas to Mizoram and developing the required infrastructure there,” he said.
He added that physical work has not yet commenced due to pending land allocation. “Requests for land have already been submitted and are under process. Once land is allotted, work will begin. The main gas supply will be provided by Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, while TNGCL will manage distribution in Mizoram,” Patra added.
