PM Modi inaugurates key pipeline projects of Oil India Limited in Assam

In a significant boost to India’s energy infrastructure, Oil India Limited, the Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise, celebrated the inauguration of two major pipeline projects by the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. The ceremony, held in Jorhat, Assam, marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey towards self-reliance and enhanced energy security. The total budgeted project cost for these initiatives reached Rs. 623 Crore, showcasing a considerable investment in the country’s energy sector.

The inauguration encompassed the upgrade of the Barauni-Bongaigaon-Guwahati sector of the Naharkatiya-Barauni Crude Oil Pipeline, extending over 756 km. This upgrade has increased the pipeline’s pumping capacity to 3 MMTPA, facilitating the supply of imported crude oil to the Bongaigaon and Guwahati refineries. Additionally, a 38 km pipeline from Duliajan to Digboi was replaced, featuring a new cathodic protection system and an optical fibre communication-based network. This enhancement is set to increase the capacity of Asia’s oldest refinery, the Digboi refinery, from 0.65 MMTPA to 1MMTPA.

Highlighting the commitment to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Hon’ble Prime Minister underscored that most machinery and equipment used in these projects were indigenously manufactured. This not only supports the progress of the Indian manufacturing industry but also aligns with the nation’s goal of self-reliance. Moreover, the projects have generated substantial employment, creating nearly 50,000 man-days of work during the site construction phases across the eastern states of Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar.

The event saw the presence of numerous dignitaries, including the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, the Hon’ble Union Minister of Port, Shipping, Waterways and Ayush, the Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Labour & Employment, and the Hon’ble Member of Parliament from Guwahati. Their participation underscores the projects’ significance in bolstering the socio-economic development of the region.

In his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the potential of these projects to significantly enhance the socio-economic landscape of Assam, fostering overall development and prosperity. This initiative is a testament to the government’s dedication to enhancing India’s energy infrastructure, supporting economic growth, and promoting environmental sustainability through reliable, safe, and eco-friendly transportation of hydrocarbon molecules.

These projects represent a strategic step towards enhancing India’s energy infrastructure, highlighting the importance of self-reliance and the development of indigenous manufacturing capabilities. By upgrading existing infrastructure and investing in new technologies, India is positioning itself as a key player in the global energy market, ensuring the secure and efficient transportation of energy resources across the country. The focus on creating employment opportunities and supporting the local economy further exemplifies the multifaceted benefits of such initiatives, marking a significant milestone in India’s path towards sustainable development and prosperity.