Kochi:
As part of a green initiative, the Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) has started transporting pipes by sea instead of transporting them through roads.
The first shipment of 1,101 pipes has reached Kochi from the Welspun Plant in Anjar. "It is for the first time that GAIL, a public Navaratna undertaking, is using ships for the transportation of pipes," GAIL Kochi deputy general manager (Construction) K P Ramesh said. Around 40 per cent less fuel is consumed while using the water mode of transport, he said and added that that a large quantity of pipes can be shipped using this method.
"Earlier trailers were used to ship the pipes. Only six pipes could be transported in the trailers, which means that 183 trailers would be needed to transport 1,100 pipes," he said. Moreover, there would be no congestion on the roads, Ramesh said, adding that the transportation of pipes is faster through the sea.
"The transportation of pipes from Anjar to Kochi took only five days," he said.
The PSL has been asked to use water transport to move pipes from its Vizag plant. After the City Express came out with a Green Kochi campaign, major PSUs and other establishments have been coming up with green initiatives.