Deepwater drilling begins in Mahanadi basin to assess hydrocarbon reserves
ONGC began the first deepwater appraisal well in the Mahanadi offshore basin on July 25, 2026, to assess hydrocarbon reserves.
The well, named MN-DWN18-1-HD, is the first of four planned deepwater appraisal wells in the basin.
Drilling uses deepwater technology to evaluate the commercial viability of hydrocarbon reserves.
Petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the exercise marks a new chapter in India's energy security efforts to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and natural gas.
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