Agartala: Feb 08: The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is set to increase its natural gas production in Tripura to 4 million metric standard cubic meters per day (MMSCMD), up from the current 3.5 MMSCMD, while also working towards integrating the state into the upcoming north east regional gas pipeline grid, a senior official said.
Speaking at a press conference in Agartala, ONGC Tripura Asset, Chief General Manager Roopesh Kumar Saran stated that while the company has high-potential gas wells, challenges remain in connecting them to the gas collection station to boost production. However, recent approvals from the Ministry of Defence for a crucial pipeline segment in the Kunjaban locality will help overcome these hurdles.
“The laying of the pipeline will be completed soon, and if everything goes as planned, we can achieve the 4 MMSCMD target within a month. However, due to the densely populated Kunjaban area and potential unforeseen challenges, the completion may take up to six months,” Saran explained.
Currently, ONGC supplies gas to three major gas-based power plants in Tripura, including the ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC) plant in Gomati district. The Palatana power plant, which has an installed capacity of 726 MW, has seen its generation reduced to 400 MW due to supply constraints and other factors, Saran noted. However, ONGC has recently increased gas supply to the plant to stabilize power generation.
Tripura also exports around 100 MW of power to Bangladesh from the Palatana plant.
The northeastern gas exploration success rate stands at 50%, aligning with the national average, Saran informed. ONGC Tripura Asset currently operates 95 gas-producing wells and annually explores 17-18 wells for new reserves, utilizing seven drilling rigs.
By September 2026, Tripura is expected to be connected to the Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL), a joint venture of IOCL, ONGC, GAIL, OIL, and NRL. The pipeline network has already been laid in neighboring Assam, while in Tripura, progress has been slower due to the challenging hilly terrain.
“Once Tripura is connected to the IGGL pipeline, there will be no issues in supplying gas for power generation or industrial needs,” Saran assured.
In addition to its production goals, ONGC is also focusing on skill development. Under the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme, 300 youths in Tripura will receive theoretical and orientation training to enhance employability in the sector.
