For the first time in India, underground caverns are being constructed to store liquid petroleum gas. MEIL has undertaken one of the major initiatives for Hindustan Petroleum Corporation at Mangalore, Karnataka.
Caverns, which are man-made caves designed for fuel storage, are distinct from traditional warehouses and bunkers. While warehouses store food grains and goods, and bunkers offer protection during war time, caverns are specially engineered to comply with safety standards for fuel storage.
Why construct Caverns?
Caverns are essential to ensure energy security, especially in a country like India, which depends on imports to meet its energy needs. By storing fuel during low-demand periods, India can mitigate the risks associated with fluctuating international prices and supply shortages. The Mangalore cavern is designed to store a staggering 80,000 metric tonnes of gas, making it the largest of its kind in the country.
The cavern construction in Mangalore comprises two large underground tunnels with 1,220 metres and 225 metres length respectively. The project involves digging an access tunnel over a kilometre long, with depths reaching 128 metres below sea level. The cavern itself is situated 156 metres below sea level, allowing for efficient fuel storage.
Once completed, the cavern will have the capacity to hold approximately six lakh barrels of gas, equivalent to 60 million litres of fuel. About 500 skilled workers and engineers are on-site, utilising advanced machinery to ensure the project’s success.