In a historic achievement, Sudip Pradhan has become the first Gorkha and the only Independent Director from Sikkim to be appointed to the Board of Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), one of India’s prestigious Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). This milestone not only represents a personal achievement for Pradhan but also symbolizes a moment of pride for the Gorkha Nepali-speaking community and the state of Sikkim.
Speaking about his appointment, Sudip Pradhan shared that he is “honoured and humbled” to represent the Gorkha community at a national level, recognizing the significance of his new role at one of India’s most influential public sector companies.
Established in 1999 and commencing commercial operations on October 1, 2000, NRL has grown to become a critical player in India’s energy sector. In 2025, the company was awarded the Navratna status, an accolade granted to only the most high-performing CPSEs recognized for their operational excellence, governance standards, and national importance. This status empowers NRL to operate with enhanced financial and operational autonomy, enabling faster decision-making and greater flexibility in pursuing global partnerships.
The Navratna status bestows several significant advantages on NRL, including:
Greater operational independence and decision-making flexibility
Faster approval processes for major investments and projects
Enhanced global expansion opportunities and the ability to forge strategic international partnerships
Stronger corporate governance to ensure transparency and accountability
A greater role in shaping India’s energy future and contributing to national development
As a Navratna company, NRL is poised to fast-track several strategic projects that are vital to India’s energy security. Among these projects are:
Refinery Expansion Project (NREP): Tripling refining capacity from 3 MMTPA to 9 MMTPA, which will place NRL among India’s largest refining hubs.
360 KTPA Polypropylene Plant: Expanding India’s petrochemical production capabilities and boosting value-added manufacturing.
Green Hydrogen Plant: Supporting India’s transition to clean energy and its long-term net-zero goals.
2G Bio-Refinery (Bamboo-Based Bio-Ethanol Project): Advancing the production of renewable and sustainable fuels.
Paradip–Numaligarh Crude Pipeline (PNCPL): A major 1,635 km infrastructure project that will link Paradip Port in Odisha to Numaligarh in Assam, ensuring long-term crude security, efficient logistics, and strengthened refining capacity in Northeast India.
Sudip Pradhan’s appointment marks a significant achievement for the Gorkha community and is a proud moment for the people of Sikkim. As the only Gorkha Independent Director in any Navratna company, Pradhan’s role is a testament to the growing representation of regional and diverse communities in leadership positions across India.
Through his new role at NRL, Sudip Pradhan is determined to contribute to building a stronger, greener, and more energy-secure India. His appointment underscores the value of inclusive leadership in driving national growth and development, particularly in sectors as crucial as energy.
