Kochi: As many as 58 more districts in the country including Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki in Kerala have completed the primary tender phase of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) project that envisages fuel supply through pipeline network that is being laid.
The first phase of the 11th bidding process conducted by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), which accords sanction to the CGD project, was completed the other day.
The project expects investment worth more than Rs 80,000 crore.
Eight companies attained eligibility in the technical bid for Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta regions. One company would get the licence for these places.
The documents of the eight companies will be examined and price bidding will be invited. The companies which win the bid would be granted licence.
The big companies in the fray are: Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, Megha Engineering and Infrastructures, Sabarmati Gas, Indraprastha Gas, Sholagasco and Think Gas Distribution Ltd.
Though at a snail's pace, the CGD project was launched in 11 other districts of Kerala earlier. However, the domestic consumer connections were given only in Ernakulam district.
The first sanction for the project was received in Ernakulam District and the first consumer connection here was given in 2016 February.
Subsequently, permission was given for Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad and Kasargod districts. Indian Oil-Adani Gas Pvt Ltd (IOAGPL) had obtained the licence for these places.
In the first phase, permission was received for Thiruvananthapuram to Kollam and Alappuzha districts. The project is being implemented by Atlantic, Gulf & Pacific Company (AG&P)
Notably, IOAGPL and AG&P are not in the fray for the latest round of tender.
Idukki, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta were included in the project in August.
