RPL achieves overall project progress of 65%

PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 16, 2007 – Reliance Petroleum Limited (“RPL”) continues to make rapid progress in implementation of its large, complex refinery, coming up in a SEZ at Jamnagar. Reflecting rapid strides made on all implementation fronts, RPL has achieved overall project progress of 65% - in just 19 months since commencement of the Project. With engineering and procurement activities nearing completion and required site infrastructure mobilised to sustain the fast pace of construction, RPL refinery is well on track for completion by December 2008.

During the quarter, project implementation gained further momentum and led to achievement of several significant milestones, including the following:
·   Engineering efforts peaked and cumulative engineering progress crossed the 90%     mark.
·   Procurement and contracting activities nearly completed.
·   Deliveries of critical, long lead equipments and over dimensional consignments (ODCs)
·   have commenced and their installation is underway.
·   Civil construction is nearing completion
·   Dramatic change in the skylines with over 500 equipments already installed at the site.

The progress on the engineering front has been excellent. The entire scope of drawings for concreting and underground piping is released for construction. Over 90% of drawings required for structural steel fabrication and 85% of piping have been completed. The focus has shifted towards engineering close-out for most of the units. This massive team effort involved over 7,500 engineers, who worked from several interconnected locations across the world.

The quarter witnessed near completion of procurement activities for most equipments, tagged items and substantial part of bulk materials. Deliveries and installation of critical, long lead and heavy equipments have commenced. Focus is now on vendor expediting and follow-up to ensure compliance with quality and delivery commitments for the balance equipments.