September 21, 2026 [Business Standard]- Indian Oil Corp (IOC) said Monday it will invest ₹2,449 crore ($255.6 million) to build and operate a 424.65-km natural gas pipeline connecting Kochi, Kerala, with Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The pipeline will pass through Kochi, Kanyakumari and Thoothukudi and have a total capacity of 6.84 MMSCMD, including 1.71 MMSCMD of common-carrier capacity. The project supports India’s efforts to expand natural gas infrastructure, improve connectivity and increase natural gas’s share in the energy mix.