Titas Gas set to replace ageing pipelines in Tk8,069cr upgrade to improve gas pressure
5.5-year project to fix 2,781km network will involve digging major roads in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Gazipur
Titas Gas is set to launch a massive Tk8,069 crore project to replace ageing gas pipelines and address the long-standing issues of low gas pressure and extensive leaks in Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Gazipur.
The five-and-a-half-year initiative, scheduled to run from July 2025 to December 2030, will involve replacing 2,781 km of old infrastructure, much of which has been in place since 1968.
The project is expected to significantly improve gas pressure for nearly three-quarters of Titas's customers and reduce annual system losses by Tk767 crore. The new pipelines will also help reduce the risk of accidents caused by leaks and improve the overall reliability of the gas supply.
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Mitigating traffic disruption
A key concern for authorities is the potential for severe traffic congestion in the affected areas, as the project will require digging up major roads. To minimise public suffering, the Planning Commission has recommended a multi-agency committee be formed to oversee the project.
According to Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, road excavation will be carefully coordinated with relevant agencies.
He emphasised a phased approach, stating, "No two roads will be dug at the same time." Work on each section will be completed as quickly as possible, and alternative traffic routes will be arranged beforehand to keep congestion under control. The project will also incorporate new safety features, such as an automatic gas shut-off system in case of an earthquake.
Funding and rationale
The total cost of Tk8,069 crore will be financed through a combination of government funds (Tk3,917 crore), Titas's own resources (Tk821 crore), and a loan from the New Development Bank (Tk3,331 crore).
The project is deemed essential due to the deterioration of the existing gas network. Over five decades of urban expansion have pushed demand far beyond the capacity of the original pipelines, leading to low pressure during peak hours.
Additionally, damage from other utility lines has compromised the pipelines' protective systems, resulting in significant leaks that pose safety hazards and contribute to gas wastage. The new infrastructure is projected to increase supply capacity from 275mmcfd to 1,008mmcfd, effectively resolving these critical issues.
