Agartala, May 11, 2025: In a landmark development for Tripura’s hydrocarbon sector, Oil India Limited (OIL) officially commenced its exploration and production operations in the state by spudding the Debtamura#1 well at Loc. TUL-B under DSF-II block AA/ONDSF/TULAMARA/2018.
This marks the first-ever oil and gas well to be drilled in Tripura under the Government of India’s Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) regime, making it a significant breakthrough for the state’s energy infrastructure.
The ceremonial event was attended by several dignitaries, including Shri Rupjyoti Phukan, RCE, OIL; Maj General (Retd.) Praveen Mathur, Advisor – Security (DGH); Smt. Sutirtha Paul, Joint Director, Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Government of Tripura; Shri Chitra Mohan Borah, Executive Director and HoD, Frontier Basin Project, OIL; Shri Arunav Baruah, Chief General Manager (FB), OIL; and Shri Pankaj Kumar Biswas, General Manager, GAIL, along with other senior officials.
The Debtamura#1 well is located approximately 120 km from Agartala, within the Baramura-Debtamura Reserve Forest in Gomati district, close to the Indo-Bangladesh international border.
The block had long faced significant operational challenges, including dense forest terrain, narrow, winding hilly roads, and frequent landslides triggered by monsoon-induced flooding. Despite these hurdles, the successful commencement of drilling represents a major technical and logistical achievement.
This milestone not only highlights OIL’s commitment to expanding India’s energy footprint but also aligns with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), aiming to boost domestic energy production and reduce dependency on imports.
