A major gas pipeline rupture during construction in Anwara, Chattogram, has led to significant losses totaling Tk 215 crore for the country, with Dhaka enduring a three-day gas shortage. The incident occurred during soil testing for the China Economic Zone jetty, prompting urgent repairs by Gas Transmission Company Limited (GTCL).
According to GTCL, engineers worked tirelessly to replace the damaged pipeline, which disrupted gas supply to Dhaka and critical power plants. The mishap, allegedly caused by negligence during construction, necessitated emergency repairs lasting three days.
According to GTCL's General Diary filed at Karnaphuli police station, the incident occurred when a drilling rig struck a high-pressure 42-inch gas pipe, triggering a leak. Despite immediate action, the capital faced severe gas shortages until normal supply resumed on July 12.
In the meantime, on July 12, Minister of State for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid announced on Facebook that the Anwara-Fouzdarhat gas pipeline, which was damaged in an accident, has been successfully repaired and gas-commissioned after 41 hours of nonstop work.
This pipeline supplies about 700 million cubic feet of gas per day. Our team has never repaired a pipeline this size before. We appreciate the concerned party finishing the difficult assignment as soon as possible.
"I am sorry for your unwanted inconvenience," Nasrul Hamid said, expressing his regret to the customers. The concerned parties have been advised to exercise extreme caution in order to avoid similar mishaps in the future.
One pipe goes all the way to Chattogram, while the other goes all the way to Dhaka via Faujdarhat in Sitakunda. These two pipes provide about 1100 million cubic feet of gas per day.
