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Key Points

Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh met Union Minister Hardeep Puri to discuss fast-tracking the BPCL refinery in Ramayapatnam. The ₹95,000 crore project promises 5,000 jobs and industrial growth. Lokesh also highlighted the Deepam 2.0 scheme for free LPG cylinders. The state seeks stronger Centre-state coordination for energy and maritime projects.

Key Points: Nara Lokesh Urges Hardeep Puri to Fast-Track BPCL Refinery in Andhra

  • Lokesh pushes for BPCL refinery under AP Reorganisation Act
  • ₹95,000 crore project to create 5,000 direct jobs
  • Deepam 2.0 scheme integration with PMUY discussed
  • Andhra seeks faster clearances for energy & maritime projects
2 min read

Nara Lokesh meets Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, urges Centre's support for BPCL refinery at Ramayapatnam

Andhra Minister Nara Lokesh meets Hardeep Puri, seeks Centre's push for ₹95,000 crore BPCL refinery at Ramayapatnam to boost jobs and energy security.

"The BPCL refinery will generate 5,000 jobs and accelerate Andhra's industrial growth – Nara Lokesh"

New Delhi, August 18

Andhra Pradesh IT & HRD Minister Nara Lokesh on Monday met Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri in Delhi to discuss fast-tracking critical projects in the state and strengthening collaboration on energy security and welfare.

New Delhi [India], August 18 (ANI): Andhra Pradesh IT & HRD Minister Nara Lokesh on Monday met Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri in Delhi to discuss fast-tracking critical projects in the state and strengthening collaboration on energy security and welfare.

During the meeting, Minister Lokesh strongly pitched for the BPCL refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Ramayapatnam, Nellore district, a long-standing promise under Section 93(4) of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

The ₹95,000 crore project, coming up on 6,000 acres, is expected to generate over 5,000 direct jobs and accelerate industrialisation. Andhra's IT Minister underlined that the move would create local jobs, encourage MSME partnerships, and strengthen maritime infrastructure along Andhra's coast, as stated in the release.

On the welfare front, Minister Lokesh highlighted Andhra Pradesh's Deepam 2.0 scheme, which provides free LPG cylinders to eligible families, empowering women and BPL households.

The state is working to integrate Deepam 2.0 with the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), ensuring wider coverage and efficient delivery, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing indoor air pollution.

The IT Minister further urged stronger coordination between state and central agencies to ensure timely implementation of these projects. Besides, the Andhra Pradesh government also requested continued Central support in advancing investments, faster clearances, and partnerships in the energy and maritime sectors.

Earlier today, Nara Lokesh on Monday met Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to push for stronger diaspora engagement, skills mobility, and responsible migration, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a frontrunner in India's global workforce vision.

During the meeting, Minister Nara Lokesh took the opportunity to apprise the Union Minister about the state delegation's recent visit to Singapore and the discussions held with officials there. The AP IT Minister further apprised him of the possible collaboration opportunities and sought the Centre's support for the same.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Good to see state and central ministers working together. But I hope they also consider environmental impact assessments properly before starting such massive projects. Development shouldn't come at nature's cost.
A
Aditya G
₹95,000 crore investment is huge! This will transform Nellore district completely. My cousin works in Visakhapatnam refinery - says these projects bring so many secondary businesses too. Andhra needs this boost!
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Priyanka N
The Deepam 2.0 scheme integration with Ujjwala is smart thinking. Many rural women in our village still use firewood because they can't afford LPG refills. Hope this solves that problem 🙏
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Karthik V
While projects are good, I hope they don't become another Vizag Pharma City controversy. Proper rehabilitation for displaced families should be priority number 1. Development must be inclusive.
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Nisha Z
Appreciate Lokesh garu's efforts in Delhi. But state government should also focus on completing existing projects first - how many industries promised in previous summits actually materialized? Action speaks louder than meetings.

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