A massive fire broke out at the Pachpadra refinery in Rajasthan’s Balotra district on Monday, a day before its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raising concerns over safety arrangements at the high-profile site.
Fire tenders were rushed to the refinery complex and emergency response teams pressed into action as efforts continued to douse the flames. Officials said there were no immediate reports of casualties.
According to initial reports, the blaze erupted in the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) section of the refinery. The incident led to chaos within the premises, especially as preparations were underway for the Prime Minister’s visit on Tuesday.
The refinery, located at Pachpadra, is India’s first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex and has been developed at an investment of over ₹79,450 crore.
Mega project to boost energy, industry
The refinery-cum-petrochemical complex, developed by HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited, is a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and the Rajasthan government.
With a capacity of 9 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA), the facility integrates refining and petrochemical production, featuring a petrochemical capacity of 2.4 MMTPA. It boasts a high Nelson Complexity Index of 17.0 and petrochemical yields exceeding 26 per cent, aligning with global efficiency benchmarks.
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The complex will produce fuels such as petrol and diesel, along with petrochemical products including polypropylene, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), benzene, toluene and butadiene.
Spread over nearly 4,400 acres, the project is expected to significantly reduce India’s dependence on petrochemical imports while strengthening energy security. It is also seen as a catalyst for the development of a petrochemical and plastic park in the region, promoting downstream industries and ancillary sectors.
Tight security ahead of PM visit
Preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit are in full swing, with elaborate security arrangements put in place. Inspector General of Police Satyendra Singh said that more than 5,000 police personnel have been deployed, along with three deputy inspectors general and 12 superintendents of police.
Over 100 CCTV cameras have been installed at and around the venue to monitor activities, while traffic diversions and route management plans have been implemented to ensure smooth movement from nearby districts.
Officials said the project is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region, particularly for local youth.
Despite the fire incident, authorities maintained that all necessary precautions have been taken to ensure the event proceeds smoothly, with emergency services on standby.
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