Kochi, Mar 11: Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today laid the foundation stone for Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited’s (BPCL) Polypropylene (PP) Project at the Kochi Refinery in Ernakulam district, Kerala. The project represents a significant step in strengthening India’s petrochemical ecosystem and advancing the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by enhancing domestic polymer production capacity.
With an investment of ₹5,514 crore, the project will establish a 400 Kilo Tons Per Annum (KTPA) Polypropylene Unit and produce six grades of homopolymer polypropylene for diverse sectors including packaging, automotive components, medical devices, home appliances, textiles, and household products. The project is scheduled for completion by October 31, 2027.
The new Polypropylene Unit will reduce import dependence, provide industries with raw materials closer to their manufacturing bases, lower logistics costs, and improve production efficiencies. The Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) is developing a Petrochemical Park adjacent to the refinery to leverage assured feedstock and attract downstream investments.
BPCL has prioritized environmental sustainability in the project design. The unit will deploy UNIPOL® gas-phase technology from M/s W. R. Grace & Co., recognized globally for energy efficiency and lower carbon footprint. A 34-acre green belt is planned to enhance ecological balance. The production process generates minimal waste, and any minor polypropylene spill will be safely reused.
As part of its Corporate Environment Responsibility (CER) initiatives, BPCL has earmarked ₹38.41 crore for community development, environmental improvement, and enhancing living standards around the project site. The project is expected to generate 2,500–3,000 jobs during construction and create around 300 direct and indirect jobs once operational, along with additional employment across logistics, warehousing, and polymer processing sectors.
Speaking on the occasion, BPCL emphasized that the Polypropylene Project at Kochi Refinery will catalyze industrial growth, strengthen regional manufacturing, and contribute significantly to India’s self-reliance in petrochemical products. Strategic investments like this reaffirm BPCL’s role in driving sustainable industrial development and economic growth in the country.
