GTCL signs three deals to boost gas supplyport

The state-owned Gas Transmission Company Limited (GTCL) Friday signed three major agreements with two foreign and six local firms to enhance the country's gas supply. The projects on which the agreements were signed are: Installation of compressor stations at Ashuganj and Elenga involving Tk 8.54 billion, construction of Bheramara-Khulna 20-inch dia gas transmission pipeline involving Tk 1.0 billion and construction of Bakhrabad-Siddhirganj 30-inch dia gas transmission pipeline involving Tk 4.65 billion. Asian Development Bank (ADB) will finance the first two projects and the World Bank will assist in the third one along with the government of Bangladesh. According to the deals, Korean firm Hyundai Engineering Company Limited was awarded the work to set up compressor stations at Ashuganj and Elenga with the capacity of 1,500 and 500 mmscfd (million standard cubic feet per day) respectively. Turkey-based Fernas Construction Company Inc will construct the 60-kilometre long Bakhrabad-Siddhirganj gas transmission pipeline while six local companies will install the 163-kilometre long Bheramara-Khulna gas transmission pipeline project. Authorities of GTCL, a company of Petrobangla, completed the signing at a function held at a city hotel where Prime Minister's Energy Adviser Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury was present as the chief guest. Turkish Ambassador Mehmet Vakur Erkul and Korean Ambassador Tai Young Cho were also present in the event. Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury said these projects are very vital and will help the country develop necessary infrastructure to the power generation sector. "Bakhrabad-Siddhirganj gas transmission pipeline will increase gas supply to Ashuganj and other power plants," he said.