London-based Greka Drilling has begun mobilising rigs to Essar Oil in a $65 million contract for 100 wells to be drilled at the Raniganj East block in West Bengal.

Five rigs have been moved from the company’s fleet in China to India, and are now being prepared for drilling at different well sites.

Two of the rigs are now in place, with the first well set to spud by the middle of September.

The other three rigs are still being mobilised to pre-prepared drill sites.

Greka has already opened up field offices and other facilities in Durgapur, West Bengal, and are current in the final phase of training local employees.

The work is expected to last 12 months.