It is impossible to visually inspect an underground pipeline, which can stretch hundreds of kilometers beneath the ground or underwater, transporting flammable substances under pressure. An inconspicuous defect—a section of corrosion or a dent—may exist along its length, which will eventually lead to system failure.
The industry solves this problem by passing a special machine through the pipe. These devices, known as 'pigs,' are launched into the pipeline and propelled by the flow of the product itself, while simultaneously recording data on the pipe's condition. The geometric tool assesses the pipe's shape, detecting ovality and dents, while the magnetic coupling tool identifies metal loss due to corrosion by magnetizing the wall.
Previously, such tools were almost always imported. In August 2017, the company was founded in Noida to begin manufacturing them in India. It is managed by Bhuvanesh Sharma as CEO, and it positions itself as an integrated company engaged in engineering projects, project management, and servicing for the oil and gas and energy sectors.
VDT Pipeline states that its team developed the first patented geometry tool for inspection in India and subsequently created a magnetic coupling tool. In addition to the tools themselves, the company offers a wide range of services, including intelligent pigging, hot tapping (creating a connection with an active pipeline without shutting it down), basic surveys, risk-based inspection, asset integrity management, magnetic particle testing, and acoustic inspection, as well as CNC and vertical machining services.
This range reflects the industry's procurement approach: an operator wishing to inspect a pipeline usually does not purchase the tool itself. They prefer to hire a company that will arrive, conduct the inspection, and provide a report on the internal condition of the pipe and priority areas requiring attention.
The commercial justification for local production is obvious. Foreign inspection contractors bring equipment into the country for a campaign and then take it out, which affects both cost and timelines. India has tens of thousands of kilometers of oil, gas, and product pipelines, and this network continues to expand.
The company received support through institutional channels. It attracted a seed round from the Centre for Enterprise Incubation at IIM Lucknow for an undisclosed amount and is part of the ONGC startup fund portfolio worth 100 crore rupees—a state-owned oil company's instrument to support enterprises in its own supply chain.
In June 2026, the company was among the Indian enterprises presented in Nice, France, at the Bharat Innovates event, where it demonstrated its in-line inspection platform to industrial and energy buyers, stating that it is capable of providing large-scale pipeline inspections.
The company has not yet disclosed information regarding clients, contract values, revenue, or the number of kilometers inspected.