PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone of ₹25,016 Crore Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate Project in Odisha
With an investment of ₹25,016 crore, the project is India's first commercial-scale coal gasification-based ammonium nitrate plant
In a landmark step towards strengthening India’s energy security, industrial self-reliance, and economic growth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the historic Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate Project of Bharat Coal Gas & Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) at Lakhanpur in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district on Friday.
The foundation stone ceremony was held in the presence of Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Satish Chandra Dubey and senior leaders from the coal and mining sectors.
With an investment of ₹25,016 crore, the project is India’s first commercial-scale coal gasification-based ammonium nitrate plant and is expected to emerge as a game-changing initiative for the country’s industrial and energy landscape.
The project aims to convert domestic coal into high-value products through advanced coal gasification technology, significantly reducing India’s dependence on imported raw materials while creating a sustainable pathway for value addition in the coal sector.
Speaking on the occasion, officials highlighted that the project will play a crucial role in promoting import substitution, enhancing energy security, generating large-scale employment opportunities, and attracting substantial industrial investments to the region. The initiative is also expected to provide a major boost to India’s manufacturing sector and support the government’s vision of building a self-reliant industrial ecosystem.
Coal gasification has emerged as a key pillar of India’s energy and industrial strategy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The technology enables the conversion of coal into syngas and other value-added products, thereby unlocking new economic opportunities while maximizing the utilization of the country’s abundant coal resources.
The BCGCL project is expected to contribute significantly to the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat, while positioning eastern India—particularly Odisha—as a major hub for industrial innovation, advanced manufacturing, and economic development.
Industry experts believe that the successful implementation of the project will pave the way for similar coal gasification initiatives across the country, supporting India’s long-term goals of energy independence, sustainable industrial growth, and enhanced global competitiveness.
The foundation stone laying of the BCGCL Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate Project marks a historic milestone in India’s journey towards transforming its coal sector from a traditional fuel supplier into a producer of high-value chemicals and industrial products, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to innovation-driven growth and self-reliance.
