NAMRUP, Aug 19 � The Namrup-based Assam Petrochemicals Ltd (APL) is now poised to become the largest petrochemical complex under the Government of Assam with the implementation of its long-cherished New Integrated 500 TPD Methanol & 200 TPD Acetic Acid Expansion Project, in the existing location of the factory with a total capital outlay of Rs 1028 crore with equity investments of the Govt of Assam, OIL India Ltd & Assam Gas Company Ltd. A new captive power plant is also being set up along with the new project to provide dedicated power to the complex.
The foundation stone for the APL�s aforesaid new integrated project was laid by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi recently. Two of his Cabinet colleagues� Power, Industry and Commerce Minister Pradyut Bordoloi and the Handloom, Textiles and Cultural Affairs Minister & local MLA Pranati Phukan and two Parliamentary Secretaries Rajendra Prasad Singh and Etwa Munda were also present on the occasion.
Laying the foundation stone, Gogoi asserted that the growth of APL was a symbol of the State�s industrial growth. He said that his government has given adequate attention towards the development of the power and industrial sector to generate employment opportunities. He appealed to the people not to support bandh culture which hampers the growth and prosperity of the State.
In his speech, Assam�s Power, Industry & Commerce Minister Pradyut Bordoloi termed APL�s new Integrated Methanol & Acetic Acid Project as a big boost to the State�s industrial sector which would generate direct employment to more than 200 skilled and semi-skilled workers and indirect employment to more than 2000 people of the region in the areas of transportation, marketing of products etc. He further pointed out that the prospect for downstream industries is based on APL�s products.
Speaking on the occasion, Pranati Phukan too highlighted some developmental projects of the government. Earlier, APL�s MD Ratul Bordoloi read out the welcome address. He spoke about the progress of the new project and expressed his gratefulness to the Government of Assam, OIL India Ltd & AGCL for extending financial support in the form of equity investment in APL�s new project.
Among others who attended the ceremony were Rajesh Prasad, Commissioner of Industries & MD AIDC, RP Jindal, Principal Secretary, Deptt of Industries, APL�s Board of Directors, OIL India Ltd�s chief resident executive KK Nath, AGCL�s chairman B Borpatra Gohain and top government officials.
