GAIL launches project for satellite monitoring of pipelines.

To address pipeline safety concerns, state-run energy major GAIL and National Remote Sensing Centre, a unit of ISRO, have launched an innovative surveillance geo-portal called 'Bhuvan-GAIL Portal' for utilising space technology for its pipeline application.

'Despite challenges, GAIL (India) has proved space technology can be used efficiently to monitor the pipeline's Right of Use (RoU).

'GAIL has more than 13,000 kms of pipeline network, wherein monthly monitoring of pipeline RoU is presently done via Helicopter surveys,' GAIL said in a statement.

By January 2016, GAIL would begin live satellite monitoring of its pipeline RoU. It is also seeking alternative methods such as advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) which can be integrated with this system, the company said.

BS