Photo: Messenger
A significant disruption in gas services has occurred in the Mymensingh region, affecting over 40,000 residential customers, 14 CNG pumps, more than 100 industrial factories, and the Shambhuganj RPC's power production center in both Mymensingh and Netrokona districts. The cause of the disruption was a burst in the Titas gas line due to an impact from an illegal encroachment for piling work by a company.
The incident took place on Monday morning in Trishal, Mymensingh, when a Chinese company conducting piling work damaged the Dhaka-Mymensingh Titas gas transmission pipeline, leading to a rupture. This resulted in a substantial amount of gas escaping into the atmosphere, with millions of takas worth of gas lost.
The 12-inch diameter gas supply pipeline was damaged, prompting authorities to shut down the gas supply in the Mymensingh region from 11 PM on Monday to facilitate repairs. Titas Gas Company's Deputy Managing Director (DMD) in Mymensingh, Kazi Mohammad Saidul Hasan, stated that the repairs are expected to be completed by Tuesday evening.
The gas line burst occurred around 8:30 AM on Monday in Narayanpur village of Amirabari Union in Trishal Upazila, near the Minister Hi-Tech Park on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway. Despite the gas supply being maintained throughout the day, it was eventually shut off after 11 PM for repairs.
Kazi Mohammad Saidul Hasan reported on Tuesday afternoon that the repair work on the gas transmission line has commenced and could be finished by evening. He also mentioned that the company responsible for the damage will be held accountable for compensation once the service is restored.
Since the gas supply was halted on Monday night, customers in Mymensingh, Muktagachha, and Netrokona have been experiencing hardships. Residents like Abdul Haq from Bhati Kashor area in the city have had to stop cooking at home due to the lack of gas, resorting to bringing food from outside for breakfast.
The shutdown of gas supply at 14 CNG pumps in the Mymensingh region has also caused inconvenience for drivers. Abul Hossain, a private company driver, mentioned having to use alternative fuel and the long waits for gas at the pumps.
Suranjit Kumar De, Deputy General Manager of Titas's Regional Sales Department in Mymensingh, confirmed that the gas supply has been stopped in Bhaluka, Mymensingh city, Muktagachha, Shambhuganj, and Netrokona areas due to the damage to the gas transmission line. This has impacted 40,000 residential, 250 commercial customers, and 14 CNG pumps, as well as the Rural Power Company Limited (RPCL) Shambhuganj power production center.
Repair work on the high-capacity supply line is anticipated to be completed by evening, followed by testing before the supply can be resumed. The full extent of the damage caused by the burst line is still being assessed by relevant officials.
Messenger/Disha
