What was the reason for construction of the first 1700 km long natura…

The correct answer is Option (1) → To link Mumbai High and Bassein gas fields with various fertilizer, power and industrial complexes located along its stretch as consumer centers through an efficient mode of transport.

Option (1) To link Mumbai High and Bassein gas fields with various fertilizer, power and industrial complexes located along its stretch as consumer centers through an efficient mode of transport. — Correct. The gas comes from the Mumbai High and Bassein fields, but the fertiliser, power and industrial units that use it lie far away in western and northern India. Pipelines are the most convenient and efficient mode of carrying gases over long distances, so the first 1,700 km long Hazira-Vijaipur-Jagdishpur (HVJ) pipeline, built by GAIL, linked the gas fields with these consumer centres along its stretch.

Option (2) To achieve the record of building the longest gas pipeline of the world. — Incorrect. A pipeline is built to carry gas to its users, not to set a record.

Option (3) To enable transporting of solids after converting them into slurry. — Incorrect. Carrying slurry is a general use of pipelines; the HVJ line carries natural gas.

Option (4) Because pipelines can be constructed only in this part of the country. — Incorrect. Pipelines run in many parts of India, such as Naharkatiya in Assam to Barauni in Bihar.