In a significant step towards enhancing operational logistics for troops stationed in forward and high-altitude areas, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, the Army Commander of Northern Command, together with Shri Subhankar Sen, Director (Marketing) of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), inaugurated a newly constructed underground fuel storage facility. This initiative falls under Project Sena Sarthi, a collaborative effort between the Indian Army and BPCL.
The newly established fuel installation is a cutting-edge advancement in strategic logistics, designed to improve fuel holding capacity while ensuring a secure, efficient, and resilient supply chain. This facility is particularly crucial for operations conducted in some of the most challenging terrains along the Northern borders, where environmental and security conditions present significant logistical hurdles. With its ability to withstand harsh climatic conditions and potential security threats, the facility is expected to enhance operational mobility and overall mission readiness significantly.
Project Sena Sarthi exemplifies the principle of Military–Civil Fusion, aligning the operational requirements of the Indian Army with BPCL’s technical expertise in fuel management and infrastructure development. This synergy not only emphasizes a mutual commitment to self-reliance and national resilience but also highlights the collaborative effort in safeguarding the nation’s borders, with BPCL playing a vital role in energizing logistical lifelines.
The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Lt Gen Mukesh Chadha, the Senior Colonel Commandant of the Army Service Corps, who praised the partnership and underscored the paramount importance of a robust logistics infrastructure in contemporary military operations.
The establishment of this facility is viewed as a major advancement in strengthening the logistics backbone of the Northern Command, ensuring uninterrupted fuel support for frontline troops. This development sets a precedent for future military-civil collaborative initiatives, marking a progressive step in operational support for the armed forces.
