The BPCL refinery project near Ramayapatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh has received environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances from the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change, allowing Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited to advance its proposed Rs 1,03,408-crore greenfield refinery and petrochemical complex.
The clearance, dated October 27, 2026, covers a project with a refining capacity of nine million tonnes per annum. The complex will be developed across 5,213 acres in four villages spread between Prakasam and SPSR Nellore districts. The sites include Chevuru and Ravuru villages in Gudlur mandal of Prakasam district, and Chennayapalem and Rudrakota villages in Kavali mandal of SPSR Nellore district.
BPCL officials are reportedly preparing for a foundation stone-laying ceremony on December 5, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to perform the ceremony. The project’s next construction steps will depend on the company securing other statutory permissions required before construction and eventual operations can begin.
According to the environmental clearance order, approximately 30 per cent of the project area, or about 1,564 acres, will be developed as a greenbelt. The approval also requires BPCL to implement continuous monitoring of emissions and effluents, treat and recycle wastewater, and comply with prescribed pollution-control standards.
The project is expected to generate 400 direct and 13,600 indirect jobs during construction. Once operational, it is projected to support 1,250 direct jobs and 3,750 indirect jobs. BPCL has also proposed an allocation of Rs 54 crore for community and environmental initiatives in villages surrounding the project area.
The refinery and petrochemical complex will add a large industrial facility to the infrastructure ecosystem around Ramayapatnam Port. Its footprint across two districts means implementation will involve land use, industrial access, environmental monitoring and coordination with local communities in multiple village jurisdictions. The clearance conditions place responsibility on BPCL to maintain pollution-control systems and document compliance as the project moves from approval to construction.
The environmental and CRZ clearances do not by themselves authorise the company to begin all construction and operational activities. The clearance order requires BPCL to obtain other applicable statutory permissions before construction and operations commence. The December 5 foundation stone-laying event, if held as reported, would mark the project’s next public milestone.
