Govt Pushes Automation of Explosives Units to Enhance Operational Safety

Nagpur, June 12 — The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is stepping up efforts to modernise the explosives manufacturing sector by promoting automation, strengthening regulatory oversight and enhancing safety compliance across production facilities, a senior government official said on Thursday.

Speaking on the sidelines of an awareness workshop organised by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) in Nagpur, DPIIT Joint Secretary Dr Kajal said the government is prioritising technology-led interventions to minimise risks associated with explosives production and handling.

The move comes against the backdrop of recent industrial accidents, including a major explosion at an explosives manufacturing facility in Nagpur district earlier this year that resulted in significant loss of life and injuries.

Dr Kajal said safety in the sector requires a collaborative approach involving regulators as well as licence holders. While authorities ensure that approvals are granted only after thorough assessment of infrastructure and safety requirements, manufacturing units must strictly adhere to prescribed operating procedures and safety protocols.

She noted that every licensed facility is governed by detailed operational guidelines covering production, storage, transportation and day-to-day management. Regulatory agencies, on the other hand, are responsible for inspections, enforcement and monitoring compliance with established norms.

To improve oversight capabilities, DPIIT has sanctioned additional positions within PESO and recruitment is currently underway. The expansion is aimed at increasing inspection capacity, strengthening technical expertise and improving implementation of safety standards across the country.

According to the official, training and awareness programmes will continue to be conducted regularly to ensure that industry stakeholders remain informed about evolving regulations and best practices. The objective is to create a culture of compliance while reducing operational risks.

A key component of the government’s strategy is the gradual introduction of automated systems in critical manufacturing processes. Automation is expected to reduce human exposure to hazardous operations and improve monitoring, precision and traceability.

Dr Kajal highlighted the transition towards advanced electronic detonators as an example of technological advancement in the sector. These systems provide improved tracking capabilities and enable operators to determine the exact location and timing of detonations, enhancing accountability and operational control.

She said authorities are evaluating additional areas where automated solutions can be introduced to strengthen safety measures without disrupting industrial productivity. Since explosives manufacturing involves inherent risks, the government is assessing which stages of production can benefit most from technological intervention.

The official emphasised that regulatory reforms introduced in recent years have already tightened safety requirements, and further measures are being considered to minimise the likelihood of accidents. The focus remains on balancing industrial growth with stringent adherence to safety norms.

Beyond safety reforms, Dr Kajal highlighted India’s strong performance in attracting foreign investment. She said the country registered record gross foreign direct investment inflows of nearly USD 95 billion during FY26, reflecting sustained investor confidence in India’s economic prospects and policy environment.

The government continues to position India as a preferred investment destination by improving infrastructure, streamlining regulations and enhancing ease of doing business. Efforts are also underway to strengthen industrial ecosystems and improve competitiveness relative to other global manufacturing hubs.

The official expressed optimism that foreign investment inflows would continue to grow, potentially crossing the USD 100 billion mark in the coming years.

She also pointed to the progress achieved under the Startup India initiative, which has expanded significantly since its launch. More than 2.23 lakh recognised startups are now operating across 56 sectors, with a substantial share emerging from Tier-II and Tier-III cities. These enterprises have collectively generated millions of employment opportunities and contributed to strengthening the country’s innovation landscape.

On industrial infrastructure development, Dr Kajal said DPIIT has proposed the creation of 100 investment-ready industrial parks under the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana. The programme is designed to provide integrated industrial ecosystems featuring multimodal connectivity and plug-and-play facilities for investors.

She added that the India Industrial Land Bank has evolved into a comprehensive GIS-enabled platform offering detailed information on thousands of industrial parks across states and Union Territories. The digital portal enables businesses to access land availability and infrastructure details through a single interface, simplifying investment decisions.

The official further highlighted ongoing reforms under the Jan Vishwas initiative, which seeks to promote trust-based governance and reduce compliance burdens. Measures aimed at decriminalising minor procedural lapses and encouraging proportionate regulation are intended to create a more business-friendly environment while maintaining accountability.

According to DPIIT, these initiatives collectively support the government’s broader objective of fostering industrial growth, attracting investment and improving workplace safety through modern technology, stronger institutions and streamlined governance frameworks.