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A new chapter is going to be added in the industrial history of Rajasthan. The much awaited refinery being built in Pachpadra area of Balotra district has now reached its final stage. After a long wait, many ups and downs and huge variations in cost, the project is now considered almost ready for inauguration. Preparations for its inauguration have been expedited with coordination between the state government and the central government.
Strong possibility of inauguration in January 2026
According to highly placed sources, the Rajasthan government has sought time from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the inauguration of Pachpadra Refinery. There are indications that the Prime Minister may visit Rajasthan in the first fortnight of January 2026. As per the possible schedule, the inauguration date is coming up on January 10, although the final approval is yet to be given by the Prime Minister’s Office. Instructions have been given to all departments at the government level to complete the remaining technical, administrative and security work related to the refinery by the beginning of January itself, so that there is no hindrance in the inauguration.
Construction work in final stage
After the recent cabinet meeting, Minister Jogaram Patel clarified in the press conference that the construction work of this refinery-cum-petrochemical complex project with an annual capacity of 9 million metric tons is almost complete. He said that this project is not just an industrial unit, but a project that will decide the direction of the economic future of Rajasthan. The minister said that the work on the main units, pipeline network, storage tanks and processing system of the refinery is at its final stage. The trial and testing processes are being done in a phased manner.
Long journey, deadline changed many times
Pachpadra Refinery was first conceptualized in the year 2013, but due to prevailing circumstances and techno-financial reasons, the project could not proceed. After this, a fresh MOU was signed in the year 2017 and a target was set to complete it by October 2022. However, due to the Covid pandemic, global supply constraints and unexpected increase in construction costs, the project deadline was earlier extended to June 2023. Now after years of hard work this project is about to come true.
Big increase in cost, yet government remains firm on the project
The cost of the refinery project has increased significantly over time. The initial estimate was Rs 6,331 crore. At the same time, due to construction and other reasons, this cost increased to Rs 72,937 crore. After this, the revised cost increased again and now the total cost is estimated at Rs 79,459 crore. The equity share of Rajasthan government in this ambitious project has been fixed at 26 percent. Under this, the total investment of the state government has been fixed at Rs 6,886 crore. Due to the increased cost, the state government will have to provide another Rs 565.24 crore as additional share capital. The government believes that this investment will strengthen the economy of the state by giving manifold benefits in the long run.
Petrochemical section will be operational by July 2026
Another important part of the refinery project is the petrochemical section. According to officials, this section will become fully operational by July 1, 2026. With its commencement, plastic, chemical and other downstream industries will get huge benefits and Rajasthan will create a new identity on the industrial map. Pachpadra Refinery is expected to provide direct and indirect employment to thousands of people. A large number of local youth have got employment during the construction work itself, while after the commencement of operations, permanent employment opportunities will be created in technical, administrative and supporting sectors. Apart from this, small and big industries related to the refinery, transportation, logistics and service sector will also get a tremendous boost.
Historic moment for Rajasthan
The government and administration believe that the inauguration of Pachpadra Refinery will be a historic moment in the industrial history of Rajasthan. This project is not only a big step towards self-reliance in the energy sector, but will also become a strong example of industrial development in the desert area. Now all eyes are on the possible visit of the Prime Minister and the day when the dream of Pachpadra Refinery will formally turn into reality.
