Sikkim Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya today attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the North East Grid Natural Gas Pipeline Project at Pakyong. The project will be implemented by Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL). Mr Acharya acknowledged the opportunities the project would bring in terms of industrial growth, and environmental benefits of natural gas as a clean fuel with minimal carbon emissions.
 
The North East Grid aims to connect state capitals, major cities, and demand centres of the eight North Eastern States at an estimated cost of 9265 Crore rupees. It will be linked to the National Gas Grid, ensuring a consistent supply of natural gas to all northeastern states. The Siliguri-Gangtok section of the pipeline will span 197 km, with 47 km in Sikkim, starting from the Reshi border and concluding near Saramsa Garden at Ranipool. The pipeline in Sikkim will follow the route of NH 717A, ensuring efficient connectivity and accessibility.