Pachpadra Refinery Fire: Blaze Erupts at Facility in Balotra a Day Before Its Inauguration by PM Narendra Modi (Watch Video)
A fire broke out at the Pachpadra refinery in Rajasthan’s Balotra district a day before its scheduled inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The blaze, reported in the crude distillation unit, was brought under control with no casualties reported. Authorities are assessing damage as the incident raises safety concerns ahead of the high-profile event.
A fire broke out at the Pachpadra refinery in Rajasthan’s Balotra district on Monday, April 20, just a day before its scheduled inauguration by Narendra Modi. Officials said the blaze originated in one of the key processing units, prompting an immediate emergency response at the site.
Fire tenders were deployed to control the flames, and no casualties were reported in the initial stages. Authorities are continuing efforts to fully assess the situation and ensure the area is secure ahead of the planned event. Haryana Fire: Massive Blaze Engulfs Konsiwas Road Slums in Rewari; Multiple Fire Tenders on Spot (Watch Video).
Pachpadra Refinery Fire
Pachpadra Refinery Fire: Blaze Reported in Crude Distillation Unit
According to preliminary information, the fire started in the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), a critical component of refinery operations. The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed, and officials said further investigation is underway.
The refinery premises saw heightened activity as emergency teams worked to contain the blaze. The incident led to temporary disruption within the facility, especially given the proximity to a high-profile inauguration programme. Tamil Nadu Explosion: 18 Dead as Friction Sparks Blast at Firecracker Factory in Virudhunagar (Watch Videos).
The fire has raised questions about safety preparedness at the site, particularly with senior officials scheduled to visit. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma is expected to inspect the refinery later in the day.
Authorities have indicated that a detailed assessment of potential damage is ongoing, and additional safety checks may be carried out before the inauguration proceeds.
The Pachpadra facility is India’s first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex, developed with an investment of over ₹79,450 crore. The project is expected to play a significant role in boosting domestic refining capacity and supporting petrochemical production.
Despite the incident, officials have not announced any changes to the inauguration schedule. Further updates are expected as investigations into the fire continue and safety evaluations are completed.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 20, 2026 04:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).