Assam’s NRL Sets Global Feat: 4,058m Oil Pipeline Under Brahmaputra

Numaligarh, January 17, 2026: In a landmark engineering feat, Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) has successfully completed the world's longest river crossing for a 26-inch crude oil pipeline, traversing beneath the mighty Brahmaputra River.

The breakthrough was achieved on Friday using advanced Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology with intersection methodology, covering a massive stretch of 4,058 meters. This milestone is a critical component of the Paradip–Numaligarh Crude Oil Pipeline (PNCPL) Project, which is itself a key part of the Numaligarh Refinery Expansion Project (NREP).

Engineering & Collaborative Triumph:

The achievement is significant given the formidable geographical constraints, accessibility issues, and complex site conditions near the Brahmaputra. NRL credited the success to exceptional technical capability, meticulous planning, and sustained execution by its project teams.

The operation showcased effective teamwork among NRL, Engineers India Limited (EIL), and contractor M/s Trenchless, supported by synchronized efforts across various departments. The company also acknowledged the active support of the District Administration and the local public.

Strategic Importance:

The PNCPL project is a strategic infrastructure aimed at ensuring a secure and cost-effective crude oil supply for the expanded Numaligarh Refinery. With this critical river crossing now complete, the project advances steadily toward its commissioning phase.

This record-breaking accomplishment underscores NRL’s commitment to deploying innovation, precision coordination, and execution excellence in building complex energy infrastructure vital for the nation's energy security.