Samudra Manthan is a ₹84,084 crore Central Sector Scheme to accelerate offshore oil and gas exploration, strengthen India's energy security, reduce import dependence, and promote indigenous offshore technologies by FY 2030–31.
News: Union Cabinet approved Samudra Manthan (National Offshore Exploration Scheme)à A Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore (up to FY 2030–31).
Highlights
- Objective → Boost offshore oil & gas exploration, enhance energy security, reduce crude oil imports, and promote indigenous offshore technology.
- Funding → 100% Centrally Funded (Central Sector Scheme).
Key Features
- Deepwater Exploration → ₹43,200 crore to subsidize deepwater & ultra-deepwater drilling (up to 50% cost or ₹650–675 crore per well).
- Seismic Data Acquisition → ₹28,534 crore for mapping frontier basins and previously unexplored offshore areas.
- Common Infrastructure → ₹10,000 crore for shared offshore production and pipeline evacuation hubs.
- Make in India → ₹2,000 crore for Oil & Gas Manufacturing & Services Zones.
- Digital Governance → Uses the National Data Repository (NDR) for data management, technology adoption, and stakeholder coordination.