Talcher Fertilizer Plant: India's Push for Domestic Fertilizer Production

Major Investment Boost for Talcher Fertilizer Plant

India is investing over ₹1,067 crore in Talcher Fertilizers Ltd (TFL) to revive the Talcher fertilizer unit in Odisha. This ambitious project aims to boost domestic fertilizer production using coal gasification technology – a cleaner, more efficient method than traditional coal combustion.

Project Details and Timeline

The project, a joint venture between GAIL, CIL, and RCF, is expected to be completed by July 9, 2025. It will produce 12.7 lakh tonnes of urea annually. Despite initial delays and a Chinese contractor, ongoing reviews and international coordination are focused on achieving the project’s goals.

Challenges and Progress

While the project has faced delays due to the pandemic impacting the Chinese contractor, significant progress has been made. 65.66% of the project is complete, with key components nearing mechanical completion. The original 2024 commissioning deadline has been pushed back.

Strategic Importance

This investment represents a critical step for Coal India, diversifying its operations and utilizing its dominant position in domestic coal production. The project aligns with India’s broader objectives of reducing fertilizer imports and promoting energy efficiency.