Fire at Rajasthan refinery-cum-petrochemical plant a day before PM Modi set to dedicate project to nation

A petrochemical facility in Rajasthan, scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reportedly caught fire on Monday just a day before the planned launch event.

Officials have not yet confirmed the extent of damage caused by the fire or whether it will impact the scheduled inauguration.

The Prime Minister is set to visit the state on Tuesday to dedicate the refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Pachpadra in Balotra to the nation. The programme was expected to begin around 11.30 am.

The project is India’s first greenfield integrated refinery and petrochemical complex, developed through a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and the Rajasthan government. Built with an investment exceeding ₹79,450 crore, the facility has a refining capacity of 9 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA).

Designed as a modern, integrated unit, the complex also features a petrochemical capacity of 2.4 MMTPA, enabling the conversion of crude oil into high-value products. With a Nelson Complexity Index of 17.0 and petrochemical yields above 26%, it aligns with global standards for advanced refining and efficiency.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)