Once completed, the PNGRB-authorised common carrier LPG pipeline network will expand from around 7,700km to 9,500km.NEW DELHI: Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has given its approval to the development of around 1,800km of LPG pipelines across Telangana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka and Goa, which will help reduce the movement of LPG tankers by road and strengthen supply security.Involving an estimated investment of Rs 7,000 crore, the three pipelines - Cherlapally in Telangana to Nagpur in Maharashtra (556km), Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh to Sitarganj in Uttarakhand (611km), and Shikrapur in Maharashtra to Goa and Hubli in Karnataka (633km) - will be developed by GAIL (India).Once completed, the PNGRB-authorised common carrier LPG pipeline network will expand from around 7,700km to 9,500km.India imports a large part of its LPG requirement, with supplies arriving mainly at coastal locations and then being transported to consumption centres across the country. PNGRB said expanding the pipeline network would reduce dependence on road transportation, lower logistics costs, ease traffic congestion and improve road safety.The move comes after a series of road accidents involving LPG tankers, with the regulator pushing for the elimination of primary movement of LPG by road to bottling plants.PNGRB said pipelines can also function as line-pack storage, allowing continuous movement of LPG and helping the country respond to supply disruptions, emergencies and periods of high demand. It added that pipeline transportation is safer, more economical and environmentally sustainable than road movement of LPG, with the shift from tank trucks expected to reduce carbon emissions.