Construction on two major natural gas pipelines in West Bengal is nearing completion, with GAIL (India) Ltd. targeting to begin commercial gas transportation by September, company officials said.

The state-run energy major expects to finish work on the Rajarambati–Haldia and Dhamra–Haldia pipelines within the next month, overcoming years of bureaucratic hurdles and pandemic-related disruptions.

The 162-kilometer (100-mile) Rajarambati–Haldia pipeline was originally scheduled for completion in December 2020.

However, the project faced a nearly two-year standstill along critical stretches due to the COVID-19 pandemic and delayed statutory clearances from the previous state government, according to GAIL sources.

"Pipeline laying was stalled for nearly two years along stretches covering around 20 kilometers in the Howrah and East Midnapore districts," a senior GAIL official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.

"Following a change in the state administration, the required approvals have been granted on a priority basis."

The official added that approvals are outstanding for only 2.2 kilometers of the entire route.

The pipeline spans three major districts: Hooghly, Howrah and East Midnapore. GAIL has successfully completed the entire 49.7-kilometer section running through Hooghly.

In Howrah, crews have laid 50 kilometers of the 56-kilometer section. While work is actively underway on the remaining portions, GAIL is still awaiting formal clearances for a final 2-kilometer stretch in the district.

Progress is furthest along in the East Midnapore district, where the company has secured necessary construction approvals for the entire local route, except for a minor 200-meter section.

Once operational, the interconnected pipeline network is expected to significantly boost industrial gas supply and support clean energy infrastructure across the region’s manufacturing hubs, connecting West Bengal to major supply terminals like Dhamra.