EIL Reclaims World Record with 4,058-Meter Pipeline Drill Under Brahmaputra
New Delhi: Engineers India Limited (EIL) has once again etched its name in global engineering history by successfully executing a 4,058-meter Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) pullback for a 26" diameter pipeline beneath the Brahmaputra River in Assam. This remarkable feat establishes a new WORLD RECORD for the longest HDD crossing ever completed for a pipeline of this diameter, surpassing the company’s own previous record of 4,027 meters beneath the Ganga River.
This monumental accomplishment is part of the ambitious Paradip–Numaligarh Crude Oil Pipeline (PNCPL) project—a 1,635-kilometer strategic energy corridor being developed for Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL). The pipeline will transport imported crude oil from Paradip Port in Odisha to NRL in Assam, traversing five states: Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and the Northeast region.
The successful Brahmaputra crossing is a critical milestone for the PNCPL, a project of immense national importance. It will significantly enhance India’s energy security by ensuring a reliable crude supply to Assam, supporting the expansion of NRL, and fostering substantial economic growth and employment generation in the region.
A Testament to Engineering Excellence
This record-breaking achievement underlines EIL’s unparalleled expertise, innovative capabilities, and project execution prowess in tackling the world's most challenging terrains. Executing an HDD of this scale and complexity requires meticulous planning, cutting-edge technology, and flawless precision to navigate the subsoil conditions of a major river system.
Quotes:
A Spokesperson for EIL stated, "This is a moment of immense pride for EIL and a landmark achievement for the Indian infrastructure sector. Successfully pulling back a 26-inch pipeline over 4 kilometers beneath the mighty Brahmaputra is a testament to our engineering might and commitment to nation-building. We are grateful for the steadfast support of the NRL team and the dedicated efforts of our executing contractors and all stakeholders involved. This accomplishment marks a giant leap forward in developing the critical energy infrastructure for the North East and the nation."
About the Paradip–Numaligarh Crude Oil Pipeline (PNCPL):
The PNCPL is a vital energy artery that will bolster India’s crude oil logistics, reduce dependency on imports via congested routes, and provide a cost-effective and efficient supply chain for NRL. Its completion is pivotal for the economic development of the eastern and northeastern states.
About Engineers India Limited (EIL):
EIL is a leading global engineering consultancy firm providing design, engineering, procurement, construction, and integrated project management services. With a rich legacy spanning decades, EIL has been at the forefront of executing complex projects across hydrocarbons, petrochemicals, and infrastructure sectors, both in India and overseas.