Urgent Action: Centre Strengthens Ammonium Nitrate Transport Rules in Wake of Tragic Delhi Blast
The Indian government is set to tighten regulations around the transport of ammonium nitrate, expanding legal responsibility to include both consignors and consignees based on who provides transport vehicles. This initiative comes in response to security concerns about accountability for diverted or misused shipments. The move is particularly significant following the tragic incidents in November 2025, including the Red Fort blast and a substantial seizure in Faridabad.
To address these issues, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has proposed amendments to the Ammonium Nitrate Rules of 2012. The aim is to close regulatory loopholes that have allowed for ambiguity concerning responsibility during the transport process, especially when consignors and consignees depend on each other’s transport arrangements. Released on February 4, the draft of the Ammonium Nitrate (Amendment) Rules, 2026, aims to clearly define accountability by requiring that ammonium nitrate be transported only with a valid license held by either the consignor or consignee, as applicable.
Ammonium nitrate is a key component in various industries, including mining, construction, and agriculture, but it is also often intercepted for illegal applications. A government official noted that these proposed changes aim to enhance traceability and eliminate uncertainties over liability during transport, a concern previously highlighted by security agencies. The draft also suggests extending compliance obligations to occupiers at licensed premises handling ammonium nitrate, in addition to existing obligations for office-bearers.
The government is opening the amendments for public consultation over 30 days, welcoming objections and suggestions before finalizing the rules. This regulatory tightening is largely motivated by the grave incidents that occurred in November 2025. On November 9, police discovered nearly three tons of ammonium nitrate alongside bomb-making materials in Faridabad. The following day, a vehicle carrying 30-40 kg of the substance exploded near the Red Fort, resulting in 15 fatalities. Four days later, a detonation at a police facility, while forensic experts were examining the seized explosives, led to the deaths of nine personnel and injuries to around 30 others.
The proposed amendments follow extensive discussions with security agencies, which have long emphasized the risks linked to insufficient oversight of ammonium nitrate transport and its end use. While previous regulations largely focused on licensing, storage, and record-keeping, enforcement agencies have stressed the need for clearer accountability during transit, a phase they see as particularly vulnerable to diversion and misuse.
Amit Singh, an associate professor at the Special Centre for National Security Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, remarked, “The latest proposal signals a renewed focus on preventive regulation. If finalized, these amendments will enhance accountability throughout the supply chain, making it more challenging for shipments to be diverted or misused.” He underlined the need for stringent controls during transport and usage to fortify national security.
The process will include stakeholder consultations to align industry interests with national security imperatives. The Indian ammonium nitrate market, estimated at $1.5 billion in 2025, is poised for considerable growth, projected to rise by about $2.6 billion by 2026, driven by robust demand across agriculture, mining, and infrastructure sectors.
As these amendments move towards finalization, the government aims to strike a balance between fostering legitimate industrial demand and bolstering safety measures against potential threats.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/centre-moves-to-tighten-ammonium-nitrate-transport-rules-after-delhi-blast-11770372577144.html
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Publish Date: 2026-02-06 18:15:00
