CM Bhajanlal Chairs High-Level Meet on Pachpadra Refinery Launch
Synopsis
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma chaired a high-level review of the Pachpadra Refinery cum Petrochemical Complex on 24 June 2026, directing HRRL management to complete all preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming inauguration of the landmark 9 MMTPA project in Barmer, Rajasthan.
Key Takeaways
CM Bhajanlal Sharma held a high-level review meeting on 24 June 2026 at his official residence focused on the Pachpadra Refinery cum Petrochemical Complex .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the refinery 'soon', according to the Chief Minister's statement at the meeting.
The refinery is being built by HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL) , a joint venture between HPCL and the Rajasthan government, in Barmer district .
The project has a designed capacity of 9 MMTPA and received Cabinet approval in 2013 , with its foundation stone laid by PM Modi in January 2018 .
CM Sharma directed all officials and HRRL management to ensure preparations are completed on time to make the inauguration event 'historic'.
The Chief Minister's Office of Rajasthan announced on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 that Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma chaired a high-level review meeting at the Chief Minister's residence concerning the Pachpadra Refinery cum Petrochemical Complex, directing officials and HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL) management to ensure all preparations are completed on time ahead of a formal inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Context
Speaking at the meeting, CM Bhajanlal Sharma stated that 'प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी जी शीघ्र ही, पचपदरा रिफाइनरी का शुभारंभ करेंगे' ('Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon inaugurate the Pachpadra Refinery'). He instructed all departments and HRRL management to treat the event as historic and ensure every necessary preparation is completed on schedule. The Chief Minister received a detailed briefing on the refinery's progress and operational status during the session.
Policy Backdrop
The Pachpadra Refinery cum Petrochemical Complex is located in Barmer district, Rajasthan, and is being developed as a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and the Government of Rajasthan through the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL) entity. The project received Cabinet approval in 2013, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid its foundation stone in January 2018. The refinery is designed with a capacity of 9 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA), making it one of the largest greenfield refining projects in India's recent history.
The project is a cornerstone of Rajasthan's ambition to industrialise its western districts and aligns with India's broader national energy security agenda, aimed at reducing dependence on crude imports and strengthening domestic downstream processing and petrochemical self-reliance.
Stakeholders and Impact
Residents of Barmer district and the surrounding region stand to benefit most directly from the refinery's commissioning, with the complex expected to generate significant employment in the oil and petrochemical sector. The project also carries implications for Rajasthan's industrial revenue base and the state's position as an energy hub in western India.
For the HRRL management and the wider oil sector workforce, the Chief Minister's directive signals that the government is treating the inauguration as a high-priority state event. The hashtag #आपणो_अग्रणी_राजस्थान ('Our Leading Rajasthan') used in the post underscores the political significance attached to the milestone by the current administration.
What's Next
All eyes are now on the announcement of an exact inauguration date by Prime Minister Modi's office. Following the formal launch, the commissioning milestones, employment generation figures, and investment flows into Barmer will be closely watched as indicators of the project's real-world impact. The Pachpadra inauguration is shaping up to be a defining moment for Rajasthan's energy infrastructure narrative under the current BJP-led state government.
Point of View
One that connects the state government's delivery record to Prime Minister Modi's national energy agenda. The project, which has been over a decade in the making since its 2013 Cabinet approval, represents a test case for how large-scale joint-venture energy infrastructure can be executed across political cycles. The imminent inauguration, if it proceeds as indicated, would give the BJP a major talking point in Rajasthan ahead of any future electoral cycle, positioning the state as a serious industrial and energy destination. Analysts will watch whether the commissioning translates into verifiable employment and investment numbers in the economically lagging western Rajasthan belt.
NationPress
24 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When will PM Modi inaugurate the Pachpadra Refinery?
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma announced on 24 June 2026 that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Pachpadra Refinery 'soon', though an exact date has not yet been officially confirmed.
What is the Pachpadra Refinery and where is it located?
The Pachpadra Refinery cum Petrochemical Complex is a 9 MMTPA greenfield refinery located in Barmer district, Rajasthan, being developed by HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL), a joint venture between HPCL and the Government of Rajasthan.
Who is HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL)?
HRRL is a joint venture entity formed between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and the Government of Rajasthan to construct and operate the Pachpadra refinery and petrochemical complex.
When was the Pachpadra Refinery project approved and its foundation stone laid?
The project received Cabinet approval in 2013, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid its foundation stone in January 2018.
What did CM Bhajanlal Sharma instruct at the Pachpadra Refinery review meeting?
CM Bhajanlal Sharma directed officials and HRRL management to complete all necessary preparations on time and to ensure the upcoming inauguration by PM Modi is made into a historic occasion.
