Numaligarh Refinery Limited has successfully completed one of the world’s longest horizontal directional drilling crossings beneath the Brahmaputra River in Jorhat district, as part of the Paradip–Numaligarh crude oil pipeline project.

What has been achieved?

  • A 4,058-metre-long underground pipeline has been laid beneath the Brahmaputra using horizontal directional drilling, a trenchless technology that avoids disturbing the river ecosystem.
  • This crossing connects Afalamukh (Majuli) on the north bank to Nimatighat (Jorhat) on the south bank.
  • The work is part of the 1,635-kilometre crude oil pipeline connecting Paradip in Odisha to Numaligarh in Assam, passing through Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal and the Northeast.

About Paradip Numaligarh Crude Pipeline

  • It originates from Paradip Port (Odisha) and traverses through West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, before terminating at its refinery in Numaligarh (Assam).
  • IGGL is executing the laying of a natural gas pipeline from Guwahati to Numaligarh as part of its marquee project for connecting India’s North-east Region (NER) with the National Gas Grid.
  • IGGL’s natural gas pipelines will connect Guwahati to major cities of NER like Itanagar, Dimapur, Kohima, Imphal, Aizwal, Agartala, Shillong, Silchar, Gangtok and Numaligarh.
About Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) 

  • It is a public sector oil refinery situated in Numaligarh, Golaghat district, operating as a subsidiary of Oil India Limited.
  • The refinery’s origins trace back to the Assam Accord of 1985, which envisioned a facility to utilize local crude resources and promote industrial growth in Assam
  • Incorporated in 1999 as a joint venture between Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and the Government of Assam.
  • Ownership evolved when Oil India Limited acquired a 69.63% stake, making NRL its subsidiary, while the Government of Assam retained 26% and Engineers India Limited held 4.37%.
  • NRL was accorded ‘Navratna’ status, in December 2025, elevating it from Miniratna. It becomes the 27th Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) to be accorded the status.

Why is this project important?

  • Energy security: The pipeline will supply crude oil to NRL after its refinery capacity expansion from 3 million to 9 million metric tonnes per annum.
  • Engineering significance: At over 4 kilometres, the Brahmaputra crossing ranks among the longest river crossings in the world using this technology.
  • Environmental protection: Horizontal directional drilling ensures minimal impact on river flow, aquatic life, and flood dynamics, which is crucial for a sensitive river like the Brahmaputra.
  • Regional integration: The project strengthens energy infrastructure in the Northeast, reducing dependence on long road or rail transport of crude oil.

Key technical facts

  • Total pipeline length: 1,635 kilometres
  • Length already laid: about 1,460 kilometres
  • River crossings: 38 rivers
  • Tunnels: 10 planned, 8 completed
  • Water bodies crossed: around 90
  • Executing agency for the Brahmaputra crossing: Trenchless Engineering Services Private Limited

Exam hook – 

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Paradip–Numaligarh crude oil pipeline:

  1. It connects Odisha with Assam and passes through five Indian states.
  2. The pipeline crossing under the Brahmaputra was completed using horizontal directional drilling.
  3. The project is intended to support the expansion of Numaligarh Refinery’s capacity.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
 (a) 1 and 2 only
 (b) 2 and 3 only
 (c) 1 and 3 only
 (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

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