Indian government has launched one of its largest offshore seismic survey programmes in the Bay of Bengal to search for new oil and natural gas reserves.
The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) is leading the effort. Survey ships will cover multiple basins along the east coast, including Bengal-Purnea, Mahanadi, Krishna-Godavari, Cauvery, and Andaman offshore areas. Bids for the project were invited on May 14.
The surveys will map over 161,000 line kilometres using 2D broadband marine seismic and gravity-magnetic methods. Work is expected to take nearly two years. The programme will scan deep beneath the seabed, up to 6,000 metres, to identify potential hydrocarbon traps.
A senior government official said the data collected will help attract investment in future exploration blocks. The aim is to boost domestic oil and gas production and reduce dependence on imports.
The surveys target both shallow and deep-water zones. They focus on areas with geological formations similar to gas-rich basins in neighbouring countries. The collected information will support better planning for future bidding rounds.
This initiative forms part of India’s strategy to increase exploration in offshore areas. The Bay of Bengal holds significant untapped potential, and the government wants to accelerate the discovery of new reserves to meet the country’s growing energy needs.
The oil and gas exploration sector in India continues to see renewed focus on offshore blocks. Successful surveys could lead to fresh discoveries and support long-term energy security as domestic demand rises steadily.
