Against the backdrop of a recent gas pipeline leak during roadwork in the capital, THINK Gas, the agency that implements the city gas project in Thiruvananthapuram, has intensified its public safety awareness efforts across its operating areas in the State, encouraging government authorities, contractors, utility agencies and third-party excavation vendors to follow safe digging practices and check in with the company before undertaking excavation work near underground gas pipelines.
The efforts follow a recent incident at Edavilakom Road, Murukkumpuzha, Thiruvananthapuram, where a THINK Gas pipeline was damaged by a third-party contractor during excavation work related to boundary wall construction. The agency’s emergency teams brought the situation under control quickly, but the incident — which occurred despite clearly visible route markers and warning signage already in place — showed how easily damage can happen when digging goes ahead without first checking what lies underground, said the agency.
The agency has requested all agencies undertaking excavation work to coordinate with the company and use the Indian government’s “Dial Before You Dig” platform before commencing any digging activity to avoid accidental damage to underground utilities. As per government regulations, any third party planning excavation work must inform municipal authorities or the city gas distribution company before carrying out digging activities.
May attract legal action
The company further noted that unauthorised excavation near underground gas pipelines without prior information may attract legal action under applicable laws, including the PNGRB Act, 2006, and relevant provisions under IPC Sections 285 and 336, with penalties including imprisonment and fines.
Deepu John, regional head – THINK Gas, Keralam, said, “Safety of citizens and critical infrastructure remains our highest priority. We urge all contractors, civic bodies, and excavation agencies to contact the agency before carrying out any digging activity near gas pipeline routes to ensure public safety and prevent accidental damage.”
It has also advised contractors and excavation agencies to inform the agency before starting excavation work, verify the gas pipeline route and depth details before digging, and carry out excavation only in coordination with authorised representatives. It also urged them to avoid mechanical excavation near marked pipeline routes and immediately contact the emergency helpline in case of suspected pipeline damage or gas leakage.
In case of suspected gas leakage, the public and contractors are advised to stop electrical and mechanical equipment immediately, avoid ignition sources, restrict movement near the affected area, and inform the THINK Gas emergency team. For emergency assistance or excavation coordination, stakeholders may contact THINK Gas’s 24×7 Emergency Control Centre Toll-Free Number: 1800 2022 999, the agency said in a statement here on Thursday.
Published – September 17, 2026 08:09 pm IST
