Gehlot: Ensure timely work on Barmer refinery

Jaipur: Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has demanded that the state and central governments complete work on the Barmer refinery-cum-petrochemical project within the specified time frame.

Gehlot said there were reports that 79% of work was completed by May and, in such a situation, it might take another year to complete remainder.

“The state government should coordinate with the central government, HPCL and ensure completion of the refinery work within the stipulated time frame,” he said in a post on X on Saturday.

The project was approved during the United Progressive Alliance govt and work started in 2013 under the Congress dispensation in Rajasthan. But the project was stuck for five years after a change in the state government, he alleged.

“During this time, some changes were made in the MoU that put an unnecessary financial burden on the state,” he claimed. The refinery-cum-petrochemical project is a joint venture of the state government and HPCL.