Bhubaneswar, July 8 (UDN): After remaining in limbo for nearly five years, the long-awaited Strategic Crude Oil Reserve (SCOR) project at Chandikhol in Odisha has been revived, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s energy security and strategic petroleum storage capacity.
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The Odisha government has initiated the process to facilitate the implementation of the project, which is expected to play a vital role in safeguarding the country’s crude oil reserves against global supply disruptions, geopolitical uncertainties and market volatility.
The Chandikhol facility forms part of the second phase of India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) programme. Once completed, it will substantially enhance the nation’s emergency crude oil storage infrastructure and reinforce its preparedness during energy crises.
The project had remained stalled for several years due to procedural and administrative delays. With the revival now underway, the state government is coordinating with the Centre and the implementing agencies to expedite pending clearances and ensure timely execution.
Officials said the underground crude oil storage facility will be developed using modern engineering standards and is expected to generate employment during both the construction and operational phases while boosting industrial activity in the region.
Besides strengthening India’s energy resilience, the project is expected to improve the strategic importance of Odisha in the country’s petroleum infrastructure network. Chandikhol’s location, with its proximity to major ports, refineries and transportation corridors, makes it a suitable site for a strategic crude oil reserve.
The revival of the project is being seen as a major milestone in enhancing the country’s long-term energy security and reducing vulnerabilities arising from fluctuations in the global oil market.
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