PM Modi Inaugurates HURL Fertilizer Plant in Barauni, Boosting Self-Reliance in Urea Production

Barauni: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd (HURL) fertilizer plant in Barauni, emphasizing its significance in achieving self-sufficiency in urea production and bolstering the agricultural sector. The plant, developed at a cost exceeding Rs 9500 crore, is set to contribute to increased productivity and financial stability for farmers.

During the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi recalled the commencement of the Barauni fertilizer plant, fulfilling a commitment that holds immense importance for farmers across the country, especially those in Bihar. Highlighting the government’s focus on key sectors for economic development, he stated, “Energy, fertilizers, and connectivity are the basis of development. Whether it is agriculture or industry, everything depends on them.”

The Barauni Fertilizer Plant, part of the HURL initiative, began urea production in October 2022. It is a state-of-the-art gas-based plant, representing a substantial investment by the government to revive closed urea units of Fertilizer Corporation of India Ltd. (FCIL) and Hindustan Fertilizers Corporation Ltd (HFCL). The revival of these closed units has been a top priority for the government, aligning with the goal of achieving self-sufficiency in the urea sector.

Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL), established on June 15, 2016, is a Joint Venture Company involving Coal India Limited (CIL), NTPC Limited (NTPC), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), and FCIL/HFCL. It is mandated to revive Gorakhpur, Sindri, and Barauni units, collectively representing an investment of Rs. 25,000 crores. The successful operation of all three plants will add 38.1 LMTPA of indigenous urea production to the country, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of making India ‘Aatmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) in urea production.

The HURL Plants, featuring advanced technology, include unique elements such as a blast-proof control room equipped with Distributed Control System (DCS), Emergency Shutdown System (ESD), and environment monitoring systems. Notably, it boasts India’s first Air Operated Bullet Proof Rubber Dam, a testament to the plant’s commitment to safety and innovation.

The facilities integrate leading global technologies to meet the urea demand in states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Odisha. Apart from enhancing urea supply, the project is expected to stimulate the development of small and medium-scale industries around the manufacturing unit, fostering entrepreneurship, and generating employment opportunities.

The commissioning of the HURL plants, including Gorakhpur and Sindri, reflects a giant step toward an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat in Fertilizers.’ It not only contributes to domestic fertilizer availability but also brings about economic development in the region, including infrastructure development such as roads, railways, and ancillary industries. The initiative plays a crucial role in ensuring food security for the nation and reducing dependency on foreign exchange due to reduced imports.