JSW Cement has commenced production at a new greenfield integrated cement manufacturing plant in Nagaur in Rajasthan, marking its first such facility in north India. The commissioning expands the company’s national footprint and raises its total cement grinding capacity to 24.1 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and its total clinker manufacturing capacity, including the capacity at its joint venture JSW Cement FZC, to nine point seven four MTPA. The development is positioned to strengthen supply chains to key high growth markets in the region.

The Nagaur integrated plant comprises a three point three zero MTPA clinkerisation unit and a two point five zero MTPA cement grinding unit, with an additional one point zero MTPA grinding unit currently under construction. The site is strategically located to serve Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the National Capital Region. The facility aims to improve logistical efficiencies and reduce lead times for customers across northern markets.

Project funding has been arranged through a strategic mix of equity and long-term debt, with the company allocating Rs eight billion (bn) from the fresh issue proceeds of its initial public offering towards part financing of the unit. Company leadership indicated that the plant was commissioned within 21 months and that the expansion places the business on track to reach a mid-term capacity target of 41.85 MTPA on or before FY29 and a long-term ambition of 60 MTPA. The move forms part of a broader plan to position the company as a pan-India player.

The Nagaur plant incorporates several sustainability measures including provisions for co-processing of alternative fuels in the kiln and a seven km overland belt conveyor to transport limestone from the mines, thereby reducing road transport emissions. The world-class facility will also soon feature a 16 megawatt (MW) Waste Heat Recovery System (WHRS) to capture and reuse process heat and lower the carbon footprint. These measures are intended to support the company’s commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing.