Bathinda refinery ‘explores’ viability of Haryana road link

Perneet Singh

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, February 22

Though the situation has improved to a certain extent at Guru Gobind Singh Refinery here after the police patrolling was initiated to curb “goonda tax” collection, there are reports that the refinery management is exploring the possibility of having a direct road link with Haryana to facilitate the supply of material like sand and gravel for its ongoing work.

The refinery’s boundary wall almost touches the Haryana border, which is just a few steps away. According to sources, the refinery may have a new gate that will open towards Haryana to facilitate smooth transportation of consignments.

Hassu village of Haryana is adjacent to the refinery and even a “kutcha” road from the neighbouring state touches its boundary wall. Incidentally, there are already demands in the neighbouring areas of Dabwali and Kalanwali in Haryana to develop them as industrial hubs in view of their proximity to the refinery.

Besides, the refinery also has a rail link through the Ratangarh Kankwal station, which was specially developed for it. The rail link is currently being utilised by the refinery for transportation of its petroleum products, besides polypropylene, coal and sulphur. If needed, the refinery may also look into the feasibility of using rail link for the supply of material like sand and gravel, though cost factor may be a deterrent here.

On the other hand, the refinery officials declined to comment on the issue while merely stating that the company’s business plans can’t be disclosed.

Meanwhile, there are also reports that the refinery is also planning to build new roads and gates in Punjab in view of the upcoming petrochemical complex, which is expected to boost its polypropylene production by four to five times.

Owned by Hindustan Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL), a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd and Mittal Energy Investment Private Ltd, Singapore, the refinery has been facing one trouble or the other right from the start.

In 2016 too, there was a clash between two groups of transporters with one of them being allegedly supported by the Akali Dal, which was ruling the state then. There were allegations of some transporters backed by SAD collecting “goonda tax” outside the refinery. The issue recently returned to haunt the contractors and the transporters engaged with the refinery, but this time allegations are being levelled against local transporters backed by the ruling Congress.

Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh recently directed the DGP to crack down on such elements.