Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of Assam recently flagged off the first-ever consignment of methanol to Bangladesh, marking a significant milestone for the state’s petrochemical industry. The consignment was sent from the Assam Petrochemicals Plant in Namrup. This development is part of the government’s efforts to establish Assam as a major exporter of petrochemicals.
During the event, the Chief Minister also virtually laid the foundation for the development of key roads in the region. These roads will facilitate the movement of industrial outputs from Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizers Corporation Limited, Assam Petrochemicals Limited, and Namrup Thermal Plant, further strengthening the industrial infrastructure in the area.
CM Sarma highlighted that the 500 TPD plant of Assam Petrochemicals Limited was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14, 2023, and has already started producing methanol. He expressed his delight in initiating the transportation of methanol produced in Assam to neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, intending to establish Assam as a petrochemical hub. This move is expected to enhance both export opportunities and the financial stability of Assam Petrochemicals Limited.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the government’s support in strengthening Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizers Corporation Limited (BVFCL). The company received a financial assistance of Rs 100 crore from the central government, while the state government contributed to the construction of a hospital. This support has yielded positive results, with BVFCL registering a profit of Rs 12 crore this year, contrary to the Rs 98 crore loss incurred last year. These developments are crucial for empowering Namrup as an industrial town.
In addition to the aforementioned initiatives, CM Sarma reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Naharkatia. Steps have been taken to enhance connectivity with the construction of the road from Joypur Chariali to Dillighat. The road’s width has been expanded from 5.50 meters to 7 meters, ensuring better transportation infrastructure. Concrete drains will also be constructed along the roads in Namrup.
To support the vision of a self-reliant Assam (Atmanirbhar Assam), the state government plans to provide Rs 10,000 to each member of self-help groups. If these members successfully embark on entrepreneurial ventures using this amount, they will be eligible for a bank loan of Rs 25,000, with the government bearing the interest.
The event was attended by Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameswar Teli, Industries and Commerce Minister Bimal Bora, MLAs Prasanta Phukan, Taranga Gogoi, Terosh Gowala, Chairman of Assam Petrochemicals Limited Rajneesh Gogoi, and several other dignitaries.
This latest development in Assam’s petrochemical industry, with the first methanol consignment being sent to Bangladesh, highlights the state’s growing importance as an exporter in the petrochemical sector. The government’s focus on infrastructure development and support for industrial enterprises will further strengthen Assam’s position in the global market.
