Despite the official inauguration of the project on November 14 last year, Rangpur region is still waiting for the long-anticipated gas supply. The ceremony, which featured an online address by the Prime Minister of the ousted government, was followed by the unveiling of the plaque and lighting of the gas at the Niamatpur Chowrahat gas station in Pirganj Upazila. However, 14 months later, the promised gas supply remains elusive.
Engineer Fazlul Karim, Project Director of Western Gas Company Limited, explained that some work, including the installation of distribution lines, is still pending. He expressed optimism that the project would be completed soon and gas would be supplied by June. However, other sources have pointed out delays due to a lack of interest from local industrialists, which has slowed the progress of the supply work.
The construction of the Bogra-Rangpur-Sayedpur gas transmission pipeline project began in October 2018. A total of 150 km of pipelines have already been laid. This joint project between the government and Gas Transmission Company Limited (GTCL) is being funded at a cost of Tk 1,378 crore 55 lakh, with over Tk 10 crore spent by GTCL so far, and the rest funded by the government.
The project covers 305 acres of land, with an additional 576.37 acres seized for the pipeline. The 150 km pipeline, with a 30-inch diameter, crosses six rivers and two canals over a distance of two and a half kilometers. The project also includes a Central Gas Supply (CGS) system at Syedpur with a capacity of 100 MMSCFD (Million Standard Cubic Feet per Day), a Town Border Station (TBS) at Rangpur with a capacity of 50 MMSCFD, and a TBS at Pirganj with a capacity of 20 MMSCFD.
When the gas supply inauguration was announced, local businessmen and industrialists were hopeful that the region's economic landscape would be transformed. The supply of gas was expected to lower production costs for new industries, especially in the Bisik area, and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. However, the delay in gas supply has left many uncertain about when these promises will be fulfilled.
Rangpur Chamber President Akbar Ali highlighted the growing frustration among local industrialists, who are eagerly awaiting gas connections for their businesses. He believes that the availability of gas would not only boost the region’s economy but also create thousands of jobs through the establishment of new industrial factories. Ali has called for a swift resolution to the delays, urging authorities to expedite the gas supply to meet the region’s economic potential.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
