GUWAHATI: Assam is set to get a ₹501-crore caustic soda manufacturing plant aimed at meeting the raw material requirements of Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) and reducing its dependence on supplies from outside the state.
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Caustic soda is a key chemical used in the refining process at NRL. The refinery currently purchases thousands of metric tonnes of the chemical every year from suppliers outside Assam.
The proposed plant is expected to ensure easier availability of caustic soda and reduce logistics costs by bringing production closer to the refinery. The development is also expected to strengthen Assam's industrial ecosystem by supporting the growth of new industries.
The project is likely to create additional employment opportunities and generate revenue for the state government, according to the announcement.
The establishment of the plant is being projected as a step towards reducing Assam's dependence on external sources for an important industrial raw material while creating new opportunities for the state's manufacturing sector.
