New Delhi: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) said on Thursday that it has completed a major site clearance milestone at its leaking gas well RDS#147A in Assam’s Rudrasagar field, paving the way for the next phase of operations — the snubbing procedure — which is expected to begin shortly. ONGC said it is aiming to complete the snubbing operation before sundown on Friday, June 27, as it moves closer to sealing the well.
According to the company’s latest update, issued on Thursday, ONGC and its international well control partners from Cudd Pressure Control have successfully removed all remaining rig materials, including staircases, entangled wires, and other structural components. This also included the safe dragging out of the rig substructure, which has now created clear access to the wellhead for the next stage of well control.
“This critical step culminated in the safe removal and dragging out of the rig substructure, thereby creating clear access to the wellhead and enabling preparations for the upcoming snubbing operation,” ONGC said.
The next phase, ONGC said, involves the snubbing operation — a technique used to safely install or remove equipment under pressure. Preparatory steps have already begun, including arrangements for deployment of snub lines.
As part of the well-capping plan, ONGC will remove the existing Blowout Preventer (BOP) and install a replacement unit. The company also reported that hydraulic lines were successfully connected to the existing BOP on Thursday to pressurise the unit and operate its rams — without any visible increase in gas discharge.
ONGC described this outcome as a “strong validation” of its pressure assessments and strategy. “The operation unfolded exactly as anticipated, reflecting the depth of planning, accurate pressure analysis, and the disciplined execution that have guided ONGC’s well control efforts throughout,” it said.
Favourable weather conditions on Thursday allowed ONGC and Cudd teams to maximise productivity, completing critical tasks efficiently during a dry window. In another positive development, the water level in the Dikhow River has started to recede, easing access to the site and lowering the risk of flood-related disruptions.
With clear access to the wellhead and preparations in progress, ONGC said it is aiming to complete the snubbing operation before sundown on Friday, June 27. The company reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility throughout the process.