Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, July 4, inaugurated Rajasthan’s first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Pachpadra in Balotra district.
Developed as a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and the Government of Rajasthan, the project is expected to strengthen India’s energy security, boost petrochemical production and support industrial growth in the region.
Built with an investment of more than Rs 79,450 crore, the refinery is among the country’s major energy infrastructure projects. During his visit, the Prime Minister also dedicated, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth around Rs 1.06 lakh crore across sectors including petrochemicals, railways, roads, urban transport, renewable energy and power transmission.
Rs 79,450 crore refinery to strengthen India’s energy sector
The newly inaugurated refinery has a capacity of 9 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) and integrates refining with petrochemical production.
According to official details, the complex has a petrochemical production capacity of 2.4 MMTPA and features a Nelson Complexity Index of 17.0, reflecting its advanced refining capability. It has also been designed to achieve petrochemical yields of more than 26 per cent.
The project is expected to strengthen domestic refining and petrochemical production while supporting India’s efforts to enhance energy security and petrochemical self-sufficiency.
Project expected to boost jobs and industrial growth
The refinery is expected to serve as an anchor industry for the proposed Petrochemical and Plastic Park in the region, encouraging the growth of downstream industries and ancillary businesses.
The project is also expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities while contributing to the economic development of western Rajasthan.
Addressing the gathering, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said the refinery would help transform western Rajasthan into a petrochemical hub while creating employment opportunities for lakhs of young people.
Puri says refinery ranks among world’s most advanced
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the refinery ranks among the world’s top 25 per cent of refineries in terms of technology.
According to the minister, the refinery’s Nelson Complexity Index of 17 places it among the most technologically advanced refining facilities globally. He added that the project would be capable of processing both imported crude oil and crude produced within India.
Puri also highlighted the infrastructure created to support the refinery, including a 490-kilometre crude oil pipeline from Mundra, a 75-kilometre pipeline from the Mangala oil field and a 230-kilometre pipeline to supply water from the Nachna reservoir.
PM Modi highlights self-reliance and energy security
Speaking after inaugurating the project, Prime Minister Modi said the refinery marks a major step towards making Rajasthan more self-reliant while strengthening India’s energy security.
He said the project would create employment opportunities and contribute to the state’s long-term industrial development.
The Prime Minister also said India had taken timely decisions and adopted the right strategy to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies despite challenges in global energy markets.
New Jodhpur Airport terminal and other projects inaugurated
During his visit to Rajasthan, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, developed at a cost of around Rs 480 crore.
Spread across approximately 23,000 square metres, the terminal has the capacity to handle around 20 lakh passengers annually and is equipped with modern passenger facilities.
PM Modi also launched the modified UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. According to the government, around Rs 28,840 crore has been earmarked over the next 10 years to strengthen regional air connectivity under the programme.
In addition, the Prime Minister distributed appointment letters to around 54,000 newly recruited employees of the Rajasthan government during the event.
Major infrastructure push for Rajasthan
The inauguration of the Pachpadra refinery forms part of a broader infrastructure push in Rajasthan. Along with projects worth around Rs 1.06 lakh crore, the initiatives span key sectors including energy, transport, railways, roads, renewable energy and power infrastructure.
The refinery is expected to support India’s energy security while promoting industrial development, investment and employment in western Rajasthan.