GAIL to hire people in phases over the next 4-5 years for pipeline network project

GAIL a state-run authority is planning to raise its hiring process in phases over the next 4-5 years for its project, a setting up of pipeline network in south and eastern region.

B C Tripathi took over the charge of company chairmanship of Asia’s biggest gas utility from U D Choubey on Saturday. After taking the charge he told TOI that the company will belligerently follow gas supplies from global and domestic suppliers to meet rising demand for clean fuel.

He informed that his main focus will be on project financing and completion of Rs 28,000 crore worth of pipelines within set period of time and also within approved costs besides expanding CNG (compressed natural gas) service in cities. He said, "We already have four cities and another round of bidding is going on and I am positive about results...we will expand (CNG service) wherever (viable) opportunities are there."

Regarding obtaining of additional supplies, Tripathi stated, "We will aggressively look at gas sourcing, be it from domestic fields or LNG (gas imported in ships)." He said GAIL will work "with anyone, be it GSPC, ONGC or RIL for GAIL. Sourcing and securing supplies is one of my topmost priorities."

GAIL is a biggest promoter of India’s biggest gas importers Petronet is looking to autonomously handle the sourcing of gas in ships. The company is planning to import five million tonnes a year of LNG on long-term contract and also to meet the rising demand of fuel, particularly from power plants it will transport one speck cargo of LNG a month.

Tripathi got appointed in GAIL at the time when the company was being separated from ONGC in 1984. He was one of the members of the first team which laid and started the Hazira-Bijaipur-Jagdishpur pipeline system.

Tripathi pointed out, "GAIL has very qualified professionals but we need to strengthen the HR base through fresh inductions from various streams to prepare for the changing market and new challenges. We will need more people to man posts and setups that will crop up as more pipelines are laid".