PM Modi to Launch Rajasthan's Pioneering BS-6 HPCL Refinery in Pachpadra
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate Rajasthan's first modern technology-based BS-6 standard HPCL refinery at Pachpadra in Balotra district on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. The state government has finalized all preparations for this landmark event, transforming the entire Pachpadra area with advanced decorations, cutouts, and hoardings to mark the occasion.
Elaborate Venue and Security Arrangements
A massive pandal has been erected over approximately 3 bighas of land for the inauguration ceremony. A special central road has been constructed through the pandal, allowing Prime Minister Modi to travel in an open vehicle, greeting the public before reaching the stage. Unprecedented security measures are in place, with around 5,000 security personnel deployed to ensure safety.
Key highlights include the installation of single-photo cutouts of Narendra Modi, towering up to 20 feet high along the refinery area and highway dividers. Teams from Delhi and Jaipur are actively installing flex boards and hoardings. The administration anticipates nearly 2 lakh people may attend the public gathering, with seating arranged for around 1 lakh chairs across three large domes.
Comprehensive Crowd Management and Logistics
The venue has been strategically divided into 35 blocks, each accommodating around 1,600 people to facilitate organized crowd management. Considering the heat, hundreds of generators and coolers have been installed for attendee comfort. Three large LED screens and around 100 loudspeakers will be set up to ensure clear visibility and audio for all participants.
Parking arrangements have been meticulously planned within a 1-kilometer radius, with capacity for 10,000–15,000 two-wheelers and about 4,000 large vehicles. Separate parking zones have been designated for vehicles arriving from Barmer, Jodhpur, Jalore, and Balotra routes. After parking, attendees will need to walk approximately half a kilometer to one kilometer to reach the venue.
Strict Security Protocols and No-Fly Zone Declared
In light of the Prime Minister's visit, the entire Balotra district has been declared a Red Zone and No-Fly Zone. The use of drones, UAVs, balloons, or any flying devices is completely prohibited from 8 PM on April 20, 2026, to 10 PM on April 21, 2026, across both urban and rural areas. This precautionary measure, ordered by Balotra District Magistrate Sushil Kumar, aims to mitigate potential threats from anti-social elements, with violations subject to action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
Over 100 CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor all activities closely. Attendees are permitted to carry only mobile phones into the venue, with all other items restricted. Senior officials have briefed personnel on duties covering seating, water supply, security, parking, and traffic arrangements.
Official Presence and Administrative Coordination
Prime Minister Modi will arrive at the refinery helipad from Uttarlai Airport by aircraft and spend about an hour reviewing the entire refinery process. Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, along with senior officials and HPCL representatives, will be present at the event.
On the administrative front, Jodhpur police Range IG Satyendra Singh confirmed that separate parking arrangements have been made for six routes from different districts, with traffic diversions in place to minimize public inconvenience. Crane facilities are available for vehicle breakdowns. The police force has been organized into three divisions under 3 DIGs and 12 SPs, with adequate barricading to ensure smooth entry for beneficiaries and the general public.
All arrangements, including the construction of a 60-foot-long dome—a first for such events—are in their final stages, reflecting the collaborative efforts of the administration, government, and HPCL to host a successful and secure inauguration.
