Balotra, April 8, 2026: A historic step is about to be taken towards Rajasthan's industrial development. Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first phase of the Pachpadra Refinery in Balotra district on April 21. This will be his second visit to the state in the last two months, which clearly reflects the importance of this project.
Why is this project special for Rajasthan?
The Pachpadra Refinery is not just an industrial project, but an initiative to reshape the economy of western Rajasthan. This project is expected to develop a major industrial cluster in the Barmer and Jaisalmer regions.
There will be rapid development of infrastructure in the region
Logistics and transportation sector will get a boost
Small and medium industries will get a boost
Employment opportunities will be created for thousands of youth
Costs changed several times
This ambitious project was started in the year 2013, but its cost kept increasing over time.
Initial cost in 2013: Around Rs 37,230 crore
Revised cost in 2018: Rs 43,129 crore
Cost increases to Rs 72,937 crore in 2023
After 2025 revision: approximately Rs 79,459 crore
This project is a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and the Government of Rajasthan.
The foundation stone was laid twice
The foundation stone of Pachpadra Refinery was laid at two different times—
First time by Sonia Gandhi on 22 September 2013
Relaunched by Prime Minister Modi on 16 January 2018
Refinery equipped with state-of-the-art technology
This refinery is considered to be one of the most modern projects in the country.
Production based on BS-6 standard
Developed with a petrochemical plant
“Zero Liquid Discharge” technology – no liquid waste out
State-of-the-art environmental protection systems
Production Capacity and Crude Oil Supply
The refinery's capacity also makes it special—
9 million tonnes of crude oil refining annually
Petrochemical complex with a capacity of 2 million tonnes
7.5 million tonnes of crude oil will come from Arab countries
1.5 million tonnes of oil will be used from Rajasthan only.
Commercial production will begin soon after the trial run.
Preparations for trial runs for the first phase of the refinery have already begun. Commercial production is expected to begin soon after the crude oil processing process is complete.
Big government plans and their impact on employment
State Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has described this project as the backbone of Rajasthan's development. It will not only spur industrial growth but also provide new employment opportunities for thousands of youth.
The inauguration of the Pachpadra Refinery could mark a major milestone in Rajasthan's industrial history. This project will not only transform western Rajasthan but also establish a new identity for the state in the energy and petrochemical sectors.
