New facility to use over 80% renewable energy, recycle all water and generate nearly 1,000 jobs
KADAPA, Andhra Pradesh: Dalmia Bharat Limited has laid the foundation stone for a Rs. 3,100 crore integrated cement manufacturing facility in Kadapa, strengthening its presence in southern India while advancing its low-carbon manufacturing ambitions.
The new plant, the company’s second manufacturing unit in Kadapa, is being developed as a next-generation facility capable of producing what Dalmia Bharat describes as one of the world’s greenest cements.
The foundation stone ceremony was attended by Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Real Time Governance and Human Resources Development Nara Lokesh, Dalmia Bharat Managing Director and CEO Puneet Dalmia, senior government officials and company executives.
Largest Southern India Facility
Scheduled to be commissioned by the third quarter of FY 2027-28, the Kadapa unit will become Dalmia Bharat’s largest integrated cement manufacturing facility in southern India.
The plant will have a clinker production capacity of 6.1 million tonnes per annum and a cement manufacturing capacity of 9.6 million tonnes per annum.
The expansion is part of an investment plan announced by the company in 2025.
Once operational, the facility is expected to create around 1,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. It is also likely to generate business for local micro, small and medium enterprises, transport operators, contractors and service providers.
Once operational, the facility is expected to create around 1,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Focus on Clean Manufacturing
The manufacturing unit has been designed to operate on more than 80% renewable electricity and recycle 100% of the water used at the facility.
The company said the plant would deploy modern technologies to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and lower the environmental impact of cement production.
The project reflects Dalmia Bharat’s broader strategy of developing manufacturing infrastructure that can meet India’s growing demand for cement while supporting national sustainability and decarbonisation goals.
Partnership for Sustainable Growth
Welcoming the investment, Nara Lokesh said Dalmia Bharat shared Andhra Pradesh’s vision of building a globally competitive and future-ready economy through sustainable industrialisation.
“We see in Dalmia Bharat a strong partner that wholeheartedly shares our vision of building a globally competitive, future-ready economy through sustainable industrialisation,” Lokesh said.
He added that the project would help create employment, strengthen local communities and expand the state’s industrial base.
The minister said Andhra Pradesh aimed to emerge as a global benchmark for green and technology-led economic growth.
Long-Term Commitment to Andhra Pradesh
Puneet Dalmia said Andhra Pradesh had remained an important part of the company’s growth journey for more than a decade.
He credited the state’s governance framework, infrastructure, policy stability and investment-friendly environment for encouraging the company to make another significant investment in the region.
“This world-class unit is a clear reflection of our long-term vision of redefining cement manufacturing for a low-carbon future,” Dalmia said.
He added that the facility would establish new benchmarks in manufacturing efficiency and sustainability while contributing to India’s infrastructure requirements.
Community Development Programmes
Alongside industrial development, Dalmia Bharat plans to expand its social development programmes in education, healthcare, skill development and community welfare.
The initiatives will be implemented through the company’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility programmes, DIKSHa and Gram Parivartan, in partnership with the local administration and surrounding communities.
The company said the expansion would support inclusive development by increasing employment, strengthening local supply chains and creating new opportunities for small businesses.
Dalmia Bharat is also the first cement company globally to commit to the RE100, EP100 and EV100 initiatives, which promote renewable electricity, energy productivity and electric mobility.
Rising Cement Demand
The investment comes at a time when cement demand in southern India is accelerating, supported by infrastructure projects, urbanisation, housing construction and industrial development.
The Kadapa plant is expected to strengthen Dalmia Bharat’s production and distribution capabilities across Andhra Pradesh and other southern markets.
About Dalmia Bharat
Founded in 1939 and headquartered in New Delhi, Dalmia Bharat Limited is one of India’s leading cement manufacturers.
The company, listed on the BSE and NSE under the symbol DALBHARAT, has an installed production capacity of 54.7 million tonnes and is the fourth-largest cement manufacturing company in India by capacity.
