BPCL halts Kochi polyol plant ops
ECONOMY & POLICY

BPCL halts Kochi polyol plant ops

Indian public sector oil and gas company Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) has halted a planned speciality petrochemicals plant for producing polyols at its Kochi refinery as the state-run firm prefers to wait for the outcome of the privatisation bid currently underway before proceeding on the Rs 11,130 crore project.

The project is to be built on 170 acres of land adjoining the refinery that was acquired by BPCL from Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd (FACT), also a central PSU. It was put in motion in January 2019.

After completing land levelling work for erecting the plant, BPCL halted the construction of a road underpass to link the project site with the refinery, sources in the Kochi refinery said.

The licensor selection process for sourcing technology for the polyol plant has also been frozen.

Sources said all project-related activities have been halted. The BPCL management feels that given the huge investment involved, it would be appropriate to move ahead with the project only with the consent of the company's private owner following strategic disinvestment, said sources.

The polyol plant's uncertainty has cast a shadow over the petrochemical park planned by the Kerala government where small industries will manufacture products utilising niche/speciality petrochemicals sourced from the polyol plant and the Propylene Derivatives Petrochemical Project (PDPP).

The BPCL-built PDPP with an investment of Rs 75,246 crore, is expected to be commissioned by February end.

Other projects

The centre's decision to transfer 170 acres of land belonging to FACT to BPCL with Kerala government's approval for building the polyol plant, has also come under criticism as the land will pass on to private hands following disinvestment.

BPCL has also halted work on a skill development centre for training students passing out of the ITI at Ettumanoor near Kochi. The state had offered eight acres of land at ITI for a centre that planned to train 1,500 students a year.

Kerala government officials took an anti-privatisation stance and said that BPCL should not be privatised, in the interests of the state's development.

Indian public sector oil and gas company Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) has halted a planned speciality petrochemicals plant for producing polyols at its Kochi refinery as the state-run firm prefers to wait for the outcome of the privatisation bid currently underway before proceeding on the Rs 11,130 crore project.The project is to be built on 170 acres of land adjoining the refinery that was acquired by BPCL from Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd (FACT), also a central PSU. It was put in motion in January 2019. After completing land levelling work for erecting the plant, BPCL halted the construction of a road underpass to link the project site with the refinery, sources in the Kochi refinery said. The licensor selection process for sourcing technology for the polyol plant has also been frozen. Sources said all project-related activities have been halted. The BPCL management feels that given the huge investment involved, it would be appropriate to move ahead with the project only with the consent of the company's private owner following strategic disinvestment, said sources. The polyol plant's uncertainty has cast a shadow over the petrochemical park planned by the Kerala government where small industries will manufacture products utilising niche/speciality petrochemicals sourced from the polyol plant and the Propylene Derivatives Petrochemical Project (PDPP). The BPCL-built PDPP with an investment of Rs 75,246 crore, is expected to be commissioned by February end. Other projects The centre's decision to transfer 170 acres of land belonging to FACT to BPCL with Kerala government's approval for building the polyol plant, has also come under criticism as the land will pass on to private hands following disinvestment. BPCL has also halted work on a skill development centre for training students passing out of the ITI at Ettumanoor near Kochi. The state had offered eight acres of land at ITI for a centre that planned to train 1,500 students a year. Kerala government officials took an anti-privatisation stance and said that BPCL should not be privatised, in the interests of the state's development.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

CFI Appoints New National Council for FY27 and FY28

The Construction Federation of India (CFI) has announced its newly elected National Council and office bearers for a two-year term covering FY27 and FY28. M. V. Satish, Advisor to CMD and Lead Ambassador for Middle East, L&T, has been elected President; Priti Patel, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects, has been appointed Vice President; and Ajit Bhate, Managing Director, Precast India Infrastructures, has taken charge as Treasurer.The newly formed National Council brings together senior leaders from major EPC and infrastructure companies, reflecting CFI’s continued focus o..

Next Story
Real Estate

India REIT Market Gains Momentum with Strong Returns

India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market is witnessing strong growth, emerging as a competitive investment avenue both domestically and across Asia. According to a recent ANAROCK report released at EXCELERATE 2026 by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, the sector is evolving into a mature asset class driven by solid fundamentals, regulatory backing and rising investor confidence.The introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 has further widened access through fractional ownership, unlocking a potential monetisation opportunity of Rs 670–710 billion. Indian REITs have deli..

Next Story
Real Estate

Domicil Debuts In Tricity With Luxe 9 Showcase

Domicil Germany, a luxury home furnishing brand from the House of HTL International, has made its Tricity debut with an exclusive showcase at Luxe 9, marking its first retail presence in the region.The invite-only event brought together architects, interior designers, real estate developers and high-net-worth individuals, reflecting rising demand for globally inspired, design-led living spaces.Centred on the theme ‘Celebrate Living with Timeless German Design’, the showcase highlighted Domicil’s focus on combining craftsmanship, functionality and refined aesthetics. Attendees experienced..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement