Bathinda, April 9, 2026(Yes Punjab News)
Sanjeev Arora, Cabinet Minister for Industry and Commerce, Investment Promotion, Power and Local Bodies, Government of Punjab, today visited HMEL’s Guru Gobind Singh Refinery (GGSR) in Bathinda, expressing deep appreciation for the refinery’s world-class infrastructure, strong safety-first culture and progressive approach to innovation.
On his arrival at the Refinery, Mr. Arora was welcomed by Mr. Prabh Das, MD&CEO, HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) along with the Leadership Team. During the visit, Mr. Arora toured key operational units of the refinery and engaged with HMEL’s leadership team to gain insights into the facility’s advanced technologies and best-in-class practices.
Reinforcing the Punjab Government’s strong focus on industrial growth, Mr. Arora highlighted the state’s new Industrial Policy 2026, under the leadership of Hon’ble National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Hon’ble Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann is set to transform the industrial landscape and attract significant investments. The Minister expressed satisfaction that the HMEL Group has made Punjab its preferred investment destination, with cumulative investments now reaching approximately ₹60,000 crore. He also highlighted the company’s recent announcement of ₹2,600 crore investment in the fine chemicals sector will further strengthen Punjab’s position as a key industrial destination.
Impressed by HMEL’s high standards in safety and efficiency, Arora noted that HMEL has set a benchmark for industrial operations in the region. He also toured Asia’s largest Automatic Product Storage Warehouse at the refinery—spanning nearly 1 km—capable of storing 1.5 Lakh tonnes of polymer and operating with a fully automated, manless system.
The Minister lauded HMEL’s focus on innovation, efficiency and safety. He was introduced to the quadruped robotic dog (K-9X)—a first in the hydrocarbon sector—used for surveillance, gas leak detection and safety monitoring. Impressed, Mr. Arora noted that such initiatives position HMEL as a symbol of innovation and support Punjab’s vision as a forward-looking industrial state.
Recognizing the immense potential of the petrochemical downstream sector, the Minister emphasized the opportunities for investment, employment generation and economic development in Punjab. He expressed confidence that the presence of a world-class refinery like GGSR provides a strong foundation for the growth of ancillary industries.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment, the Minister stated that Punjab is poised to emerge as a key petrochemical hub in India. He assured proactive support in creating an enabling ecosystem to attract investments and foster the development of downstream industries.
The Minister also appreciated HMEL’s CSR initiatives, highlighting their impactful role in transforming rural communities through healthcare, education development, women empowerment, skill development and rural infrastructure development.
HMEL leadership thanked the Hon’ble Minister for his visit and continued support, reiterating their commitment to operational excellence, safety, sustainability and contributing to Punjab’s industrial growth story.
Mr Rajesh Dhiman Deputy Commissioner Bathinda, MLA Baljinder Kaur Talwandi Sabo, Principal Secretary Gurkirat Singh, Prabh Das MD & CEO HMEL, GM DIC Bhatinda along with other officials.
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