Pachpadra Refinery Fire: PM Modi’s Inauguration of HRRL Refinery Postponed After Blaze in Crude Distillation Unit
A fire broke out today in the vicinity of the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) at the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL) in Pachpadra, Balotra district, prompting the postponement of the high-profile dedication ceremony by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, originally scheduled for April 21, 2026.
According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, “Due to an unfortunate fire incident today in the vicinity of the Crude Distillation Unit at the HRRL refinery, the scheduled dedication of the refinery by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 21.04.2026 has been postponed.”
The ministry confirmed that the fire has been successfully brought under control. There are no reports of any casualties. An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause(s) of the incident and to undertake necessary remedial measures. A revised date for the dedication will be announced in due course.
Fire tenders and emergency response teams had rushed to the spot immediately after the incident. Workers in the affected area were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Thick plumes of smoke were visible from the site earlier in the day.
The ₹79,450-crore Pachpadra project is India’s first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex, developed as a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and the Government of Rajasthan. It is expected to significantly boost energy security, petrochemical production, and employment in western Rajasthan.
This is the latest development in the story. Officials are currently assessing any potential damage and ensuring the safety and readiness of the facility before the inauguration is rescheduled.
