PM dedicates to nation Integrated Refinery Expansion Project complex, Kochi, Kerala

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited  Kochi, Kerala, on January 27, 2019, and dedicated to the nation and also laid foundation stone for various projects in the state. The projects dedicated to the nation include Integrated Refinery Expansion Project (IREP) complex at Kochi.

IREP will be a modern expansion complex and transform Kochi refinery into the largest PSU Refinery in India with world class standards. It will be equipped for production of cleaner fuels for India. It will double the production of LPG & diesel and commence production of feedstock for petrochemical projects.

Inaugurating the IREP Complex, the PM said, “Today is a historic day when the largest industrial unit of Kerala is entering its next phase of development. It is indeed a proud moment not just for God’s Own Country, but also for the entire nation.” He also praised Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) Kochi for playing a critical role in popularising clean fuels among masses in Kerala and neighbouring states over the past 50 years.
Talking about the strides made by the Government, the PM said Ujjwala has brought cheers to many and nearly six crore LPG connections have reached the households of the poorest of the poor since May 2016. More than 23 crore LPG consumers have joined the Pahal scheme. The transparency in the scheme has helped in identifying ghost accounts, multiple accounts and inactive accounts. Over 1 crore customers have given up LPG subsidies under Give it up initiative. PM lauded the role of Kochi refinery and said it is making a greatc ontribution towards Ujjwala Yojana, by doubling the LPG production with the help of the recent expansion.”
The PM said that use of CNG a clean fuel is being promoted by expanding the coverage of City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in the country. After the successful completion of 10 CGD bidding rounds more than 400 districts of the country will be connected for providing piped gas supply. The National Gas Grid or Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga has also been created to have a gas based economy and enhance the share of gas in the energy basket.

He revealed that the Government has thought of developing additional 15,000 km of gas pipeline network. Besides, the Government  has reduced oil import by 10% and saved  foreign exchange. The PM expressed happiness that  Kochi refinery will now be able to produce propylene after execution of IREP. The PM recalled that when Kerala was passing through worst floods in 100 years last August, BPCL came running against all odds to ensure continuous production of Petrol, Diesel and LPG.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of second campus of the Skill development institute set up by BPCL at Ettumanoor. He said it will help skill development and create employment opportunities for the youth. He also dedicated to the nation mounded storage facility by Indian Oil at its Kochi LPG based bottling Plant built at a cost of Rs 50 crore. This will enhance LPG storage capacity.