Our Bureau

New Delhi , June 22

GAIL (India) Ltd on Thursday launched the emergency response vehicle (ERV) to handle natural gas pipeline emergencies throughout Delhi's city gas pipeline network.

Conceptualised and designed indigenously at GAIL, the ERV has the latest tools and equipments to perform 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.

The ERV was flagged off by Mr Proshanto Banerjee, Chairman and Managing Director of GAIL.

Emergency tie-up

The company said that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) for co-operation in tackling emergencies.

The Regional Gas Management Centre of GAIL for the NCR region is the contact point in case of any emergency. The phone numbers are 43542330 and 23378430.

Natural gas

Natural gas is lighter than air and, hence, dissipates into the atmosphere quickly. Moreover, it is non-toxic and odourless, 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 company said.

ERV features

The ERV can work continuously for days at a stretch and also has the capacity to empower handling of emergencies at the oddest of locations.

It has a specially designed air-conditioned crew cab with all the amenities.

Some of its features 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 at night.

The vehicle is also provided with a St John's safety kit with snake venom serum, mini-tent, and folding table and chairs.

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