Archive · 18 Jan 2026
EIL Sets New HDD Record for Pipeline Project
Engineers India (EIL) has set a new world record by drilling a 4,058-meter-long tunnel under the Brahmaputra river.
This is the longest horizontal directional drilling (HDD) ever done for a pipeline of 26 inches in diameter.
The project is part of a big pipeline that will carry oil from Paradip Port in Odisha to Assam.
This pipeline will help India get more oil and create jobs.
EIL is very proud of this achievement, which was made possible with the help of many teams and partners.
This project is important for the development of the Northeast and the whole country.
EIL achieved the longest HDD crossing of 4,058 meters across the Brahmaputra river, surpassing its own previous record of 4,027 meters at the Ganga River.
The drilling is part of the Paradip–Numaligarh Crude Oil Pipeline (PNCPL) project, a 1,635 km strategic energy corridor for Numaligarh Refinery (NRL).
The pipeline will transport imported crude oil from Paradip Port to Assam, traversing five states and strengthening India's energy security.
This project supports refinery expansion and drives significant regional economic growth and employment.
EIL, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, is a leading engineering consultancy in various sectors.
- Who
- Engineers India (EIL)
- What
- Achieved the longest horizontal directional drilling (HDD) across the Brahmaputra river
- When
- January 17, 2026
- Where
- Brahmaputra river, as part of the Paradip–Numaligarh Crude Oil Pipeline (PNCPL) project
- Why
- To strengthen India's energy security, support refinery expansion, and drive regional economic growth and employment
- Company
- Engineers India (EIL)
- Milestone
- 4,058 meters HDD crossing
- Pipeline Diameter
- 26 inches
- Project
- Paradip–Numaligarh Crude Oil Pipeline (PNCPL)
- Pipeline Length
- 1,635 km
- States Traversed
- Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Northeast
- Significance
- Strengthens India's energy security and regional economic growth
- Date Achieved
- January 17, 2026
