GAIL :Drones to secure gas pipelines

Chattisgarh Dec 7: In a move to ensure pipelines errected are safe and no leakages take place GAIL India Ltd has decided to use drones to monitor its gas pipelines. Company director (pipelines) Ashutosh Karnatak has said that "We have hired one drone on a pilot basis for aerial surveillance of the HBJ pipeline in the Chambal Ravines in Madhya Pradesh ."

He has also said that we have taken many steps to raise safety standards after an accident has occured at its pipeline in Andhra Pradesh in June 2014 that killed at least 18 people. The steps taken include replacing old pipelines and using advanced technology.

Ashutosh has added that "Based on the results, the company may decide to buy or hire more drones to monitor its 15,000-km pipeline network.The drones will be used to patrol the pipeline to detect physical abnormal activity like encroachment or intrusion on the pipeline. "

Sources said that the company had acquired permission from various agencies to use them.Currently, Indian Railways and National Highways Authority are using drones to monitor the works.