Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Pachpadra in Balotra on Saturday, marking a major milestone in the country’s energy sector.
During his visit to the facility, PM Modi toured the advanced control room and held discussions with engineers and technical professionals about the refinery’s operations and crude oil processing system.
The Prime Minister also watched a documentary on the refinery’s development before dedicating the project to the nation. He later planted a sapling on the premises in the presence of Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and senior government officials.
PM Modi virtually laid the foundation stone for the Jaipur Metro Phase 2 project as part of the event.
Authorities simultaneously telecast the ceremony at Jaipur’s SMS Indoor Stadium, where former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Urban Development Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra, Jaipur MP Manju Sharma, elected representatives and members of the public gathered to witness the occasion.
A specially constructed dome inside the refinery complex hosted a public meeting attended by around 5,000 people. BJP workers, residents, women and young people participated in large numbers.
Chief Minister Sharma welcomed the Prime Minister with a traditional shawl and presented him with a decorative jharokha.
PM Modi acknowledged the gathering with folded hands before addressing the audience.
Earlier Engagements
Before arriving in Balotra, the Prime Minister inaugurated the newly built terminal at Jodhpur Airport and launched the revamped UDAN scheme aimed at improving regional air connectivity. He also inspected the passenger terminal and reviewed its architectural model alongside Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu.
Officials had initially planned to inaugurate the refinery on 21 April, but they postponed the programme after a fire affected the Crude Distillation Unit and Vacuum Distillation Unit a day earlier.
Although heavy rain and strong winds damaged several welcome installations on Friday evening, officials restored the venue overnight, ensuring the event proceeded without disruption on Saturday.
Also Read: PM Modi Inaugurates Jodhpur Airport Terminal; Launches Rs 1.06 Lakh Crore Projects
To read more such news, download Bharat Express news apps
