Jaipur, 26 Aug. Chief Minister Shri Ashok Gehlot has said that Rajasthan Refinery will be different from other refineries in the country. It will be the only refinery where a petrochemical complex will be developed simultaneously for oil refining as well as manufacturing petroleum by-products. With this ambitious project, Rajasthan will develop as a hub of petroleum-based industries. The planned investment in this will not only give huge revenue to the state, but employment opportunities will also increase.
Shri Gehlot was reviewing the works related to the Rajasthan Refinery Project on Thursday. He said that this is an important project. It would give impetus to industrial development in the districts of western Rajasthan. Besides the people of the entire state getting its benefit. He directed the officials to hurry the works which have been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said that the planned development of the petrochemical complex should be done. He also said that world-class companies should be invited to invest in it.
The Chief Minister also directed to speed up the work of developing the industrial area around the refinery. He said that all the concerned departments of the state government should give priority to the refinery works at their level. The work of allotment of electricity, water, land etc for the project should be done soon. He asked the officers to prepare an action plan to develop public facilities in the project area. He also asked them to prepare a master plan for land use in the respective districts.
Shri Gehlot said that petroleum refinery is a big dream for the development of the entire state. This includes western Rajasthan, which faced many hurdles. After the long struggle of the people of the region and the vigorous efforts of our government, this project has now gained momentum. He directed to impart skill training to a maximum number of youth. This could be done by utilizing the resources of training institutes available in the area. It also including Skill Development Center developed by Cairn Energy.
The meeting was attended by HPCL CMD Shri MK Surana. HPCL-Rajasthan Refinery Limited CEO Shri S. P. Gaikwad made a presentation on the progress of the work related to the project. It was told that a total of 9 refinery units and 4 petro-chemical units are proposed to be built in the project. Of these, 5-6 units will be ready by September 2023.
He informed that at present 13,314 people are engaged in construction work at the refinery’s construction site. Against the estimated cost of Rs.39,084 crore of the project, an expenditure of Rs.9,036 crore has been made so far.
Mr Surana said that the construction of the petrochemical complex along with the refinery is a far-reaching vision. This will increase revenue and employment in future.
He said that the difficulties faced in the construction of the refinery are being removed by discussing with the State Government.
Revenue Minister Shri Harish Chaudhary said that Rajasthan Refinery is a ‘Dream Project’ Shri Ashok Gehlot. The local people have high expectations from these projects. Therefore, they will be fulfilled in due course of time and the development of the area will attain new heights.
The officials of Revenue, Water Supply, Energy, Public Works, Forest and Environment, Labor and Skill Development and Industries Department shared information on activities related to their subjects for the refinery project. RIICO MD Mr Ashutosh AT Pednekar said that meetings and conferences are being organized with local and foreign entrepreneurs. Along with that investors for setting up a large number of ancillary industrial units in the vicinity of the refinery are being arranged for.
