Bhubaneswar, March 17: A gas distribution system will be activated soon across different cities to supply piped cooking gas to kitchens. In the first phase, the system will be implemented in Bhubaneswar.

The state government has asked the Infrastructure Development Corporation of Odisha (Idco) to work on this and prepare a draft paper so that an MoU could be signed with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) in this regard.

Nine cities — Bhubaneswar, Khurda, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Rourkela, Anandpur, Kendrapara, Balasore and Baripada — are being considered for this project.

The proposed Kakinada and Haldia pipeline and Surat- Paradip pipelines will ensure the availability of the gas. “These two lines will be the backbone of the system,” an official said.

The Surat-Paradip pipeline will cover 400km in the state. In addition to this, the 1,100-km Kakinada-Howrah pipeline which is under construction, is set to cover 434km.

However, it will take another five to six years to make it a reality to supply the gas to the consumers through pipeline.

“The ambitious pipeline project will ensure development of ancillary industries and there will be a great demand for technicians having expertise in plumbing, fitting and welding trades,” he said.

In another development GAIL India Limited has also expressed interest to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in the state with an investment of Rs 4,500 crore. The company has identified the ports of Paradip, Dhamara and Gopalpur as potential locations for establishment of the terminal.