A BVFCL Ammonia Plant Fire broke out at the Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited unit in Namrup, Assam, on Sunday evening. The incident took place just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, raising fresh concerns about safety at the decades-old fertilizer plant.
How the BVFCL Ammonia Plant Fire Started
The fire began around 7:10 PM, originating from the pressure air compressor section of the ammonia plant — a crucial unit used to compress ammonia gas for cooling and feedstock processes in fertilizer production. Flames were visible from a long distance, lighting up the night sky and drawing immediate emergency attention.
The BVFCL Ammonia Plant Fire has raised fresh concerns about maintenance and safety practices at the facility. Moreover, the plant sits barely 1,000 meters from the site where PM Modi will inaugurate a major fertilizer project, which makes the incident even more significant. As a result, authorities may now conduct safety checks and review site preparedness before his visit.
PM Modi to Inaugurate New Ammonia-Urea Project in Namrup
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Namrup on December 21 to lay the foundation stone for the new Ammonia–Urea Fertilizer Project. The project will operate under Assam Valley Fertilizers & Chemical Company Limited (AVFCL).
AVFCL came into existence on July 25, 2025, as a joint venture aimed at boosting fertilizer production and improving agricultural growth in the Northeast. The equity shareholding structure is as follows:
Government of Assam – 40% stake
National Fertilizers Limited (NFL)
Oil India Limited (OIL)
Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL)
Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL)
The upcoming complex is designed to produce 12.7 lakh metric tonnes of Ammonia-Urea annually, expected to boost domestic fertilizer availability and reduce dependency on imports.
Industry Outlook
The Namrup incident underscores the need for stricter safety evaluations at India’s older fertilizer plants. With the new AVFCL facility nearing launch, authorities are likely to fast-track inspections to prevent recurrence and secure operations ahead of the inauguration.
Sources : NDTV
