ONGC PLANS 150 DEEPWATER WELLS UNDER Rs 84,084 CRORE SAMUDRA MANTHAN MISSION PROJECT

As India steps up efforts to strengthen domestic energy security and reduce dependence on imports,

is set to accelerate deepwater exploration under the Samudra Manthan programme, with plans to drill 150 deepwater wells over seven years and pursue nearly 5,600 million tonnes of oil equivalent (MMTOE) of deepwater and ultra-deepwater hydrocarbon potential. The push comes after the Union Cabinet approved the Rs 84,084-crore Samudra Manthan, or National Offshore Exploration Scheme, on July 31. The programme is designed to accelerate exploration in deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas through large-scale 2D and 3D seismic surveys, exploratory drilling and common offshore infrastructure. The scheme is also intended to reduce exploration risks, attract investment and boost domestic oil and gas production, thereby strengthening energy security and reducing import dependence.