Press Releases
[New Delhi, 22nd June, 2006]

GAIL launches one-of-a kind Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV)

New Delhi, 22 June, 2006: GAIL (India) Ltd today launched the Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) to handle natural gas pipeline emergencies throughout Delhi’s city gas pipeline network. The ERV was flagged-off by Shri Proshanto Banerjee, Chairman and Managing Director, GAIL (India) Limited. The members of the Board of Directors of GAIL and other senior officials of the company and several customers were also present on the occasion.

Conceptualized and designed indigenously at GAIL, the ERV has the latest tools and equipments to perform myriad functions ranging from making the accident site accessible, barricading the site, checking for leaks and pipeline coating, location and depth, fire fighting and rescue and repair and maintenance. GAIL has also entered into an MoU with Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) for mutual cooperation in tackling emergencies. The Regional Gas Management Centre (RGMC) of GAIL for the NCR region is the contact point in case of any emergency and its phone numbers are 43542330 and 23378430.

Natural gas is lighter than air and hence dissipates into the atmosphere quickly. Moreover, it is non-toxic and odorless, making it even more imperative to immediately respond to a leak or similar crisis and subsequently restore the gas supply as soon as possible. The ERV, with its Swaraj Mazda ZT 54 LCV Cabin Chassis of Bharat Stage III can work continuously for days at a stretch and also has the capacity to empower handling of emergencies at the oddest of locations as it is equipped with state of the art tools for clearing of approach to the affected site. It has a specially designed air conditioned crew cab with all the amenities that the crew would require while responding to such a situation. Some of the unique features contained in this vehicle are pipeline locator, soil excavation tools, fire fighting arrangement, cutting tools road barricading arrangement, communication facilities, concrete breaker and cutter, rope rescue system, metal cutter, oxyacetylene torch for metal cutting, compressed air breathing apparatus, gas detectors and self contained lighting system for working during night. The vehicle is also provided with St. John’s safety kit with snake venom serum, mini tent, folding table and chairs at site.

The launch of the ERV is an important event in pipeline safety management- not only for GAIL and its stakeholders but also for the environment and people at large.

Through this initiative, GAIL has indeed proven that ‘Accidents hurt… safety doesn’t.