Aizawl: Mizoram is set to begin receiving piped natural gas (PNG) by early 2028, with construction of the Tripura–Mizoram natural gas pipeline progressing steadily under the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid project, state Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister B Lalchhanzova said on Thursday.
Speaking at a ‘Sensitisation Workshop on City Gas Distribution’ in Aizawl, Lalchhanzova said the 119.5-km pipeline, being implemented by Indradhanush Gas Grid Ltd (IGGL), has already achieved about 45 per cent overall completion and is targeted for full completion by December 2027.
He said the primary pipeline is expected to reach Sihhmui by March 2027.
Once the pipeline reaches Sihhmui, Tripura Natural Gas Company Ltd (TNGCL) will begin developing the city gas distribution (CGD) network for Mizoram.
The project will initially focus on supplying PNG to households in Aizawl and Mamit, with commercial operations likely to begin in early 2028.
“The pipeline installation up to Sihhmui is expected to be completed by March 2027. After that, TNGCL will start the city gas distribution work for Aizawl and Mamit, and PNG supply is expected to be available to the people of Mizoram by early 2028,” Lalchhanzova said.
The workshop, jointly organised by TNGCL and the Mizoram Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, aimed to address public concerns and explain the technical, safety and economic aspects of the project.
Lalchhanzova said he had recently inspected gas infrastructure facilities in Agartala and noted that Tripura has been using piped natural gas for more than three decades, with over 60,000 consumers.
He said the introduction of PNG in Mizoram would significantly reduce operational costs for the hospitality sector, including hotels and restaurants.
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TNGCL Managing Director Pralay Patra said the expansion of natural gas infrastructure in the Northeast aligns with the Centre’s goal of increasing the share of natural gas in India’s energy mix to 15 per cent by 2030.
“This is not just a commercial project. It is a commitment towards a cleaner environment,” he said, describing natural gas as a cleaner alternative to conventional fuels.
Officials said the Tripura–Mizoram pipeline originates from the Panisagar receiving terminal in Tripura and passes through Kanhmun, Zawlnuam, Kawrthah, Tuidam and Darlak before reaching near Mamit.
From there, it will extend to Lengte and terminate at the proposed Sihhmui receiving terminal, located about 21 km from Aizawl.
IGGL officials said technical progress remains on schedule, with welding work completed up to 52 per cent and pipe-lowering work reaching around 40 per cent so far.
