BPCL project to boost petro park growth

Kochi: The Rs 5,500 crore polypropylene plant, the work on which PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate at BPCL Kochi Refinery on Wednesday, is expected to give a fillip to Kinfra Petrochemical Park project by state govt at Ambalamugal. The Petrochemical Park allotted around 270 acres of total 400 acres of land to several investors to set up plants.The plant spans 481.79 acres and shares a common boundary with BPCL, creating strong synergy for petrochemical and downstream industries. It will also propel the growth of plastic-based industries across the state. "The park is being developed in accordance with the approved master plan and obtained environmental clearance from ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEF and CC). A major advantage for industries located in the park is the availability of feedstock from the upcoming polypropylene project of BPCL Kochi Refinery," an official with Kinfra, the implementing agency of the Petrochemical Park project, said. The polypropylene plant was initially proposed as a polyol plant, but was later restructured considering the significantly larger downstream industrial potential and market demand. Polypropylene has wide applications in plastics, packaging, automotive components, consumer products and industrial goods, thereby creating strong opportunities for petrochemical and polymer-based manufacturing units within the park, Kinfra officials said. Out of the total 481.79 acres, around 399.62 acres are earmarked for industrial allotment, including 27.2 acres for red category industries, 277.23 acres for green and orange industries and 80 acres designated as a general industries zone to support ancillary petrochemical units. Kinfra completed Phase I infrastructure development, including a 3.4km four-lane main road connecting both zones, 2.7km of internal roads with stormwater drains, underground cable trenches, water supply and effluent networks, a 33/11 kV substation, water storage and fire safety systems, secured entry gates, compound walls and administrative buildings. The park already received a strong response from industry, with 24 units allotted land covering 198.67 acres, including 170 acres allotted to BPCL for its polypropylene plant. Land allotment for two additional units covering 62 acres is under process, while 136.95 acres remain available for future investors. Even before formal commissioning, seven units are already operational, representing a combined investment of around Rs 100 crore. The park also benefits from GAIL gas pipeline passing through the campus with an internal tap-off point, while Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Ltd (KEIL) operates within the park for hazardous waste treatment and disposal.