New Delhi: Gujarat Ambuja Cements Limited (GACL) has completed its expansion of the cement-grinding unit at Darlaghat in Himachal Pradesh. The capacity of this plant has now increased by 6 lakh tonnes, at a cost of about Rs50 crore.

This additional capacity would now enhance Ambuja Group''s capacity to 15.5 million tonnes from the existing 14.9 million tonnes.

The cement mill will increase fly ash consumption, a waste generated by thermal power plants, thus helping in disposal of an environmentally hazardous product and thereby further helping in preserving the environment in the State.

Raja Virbhadra Singh, chief minister of Himachal Pradesh inaugurated the new cement facility. Speaking at the inauguration, Singh congratulated GACL on the excellent progress made by the company in the state since 1995. He further added that the government is committed to enhancing industrial development in the state. He also appreciated GACL efforts in creating environmental-friendly operations comparable to the best in the world, and for creating job opportunities for the people of the State.

Suresh Neotia, chairman, GACL, said that this is a part of the group''s endeavour to strengthen its presence in North India. Neotia thanked chief minister and the government for creating a conducive business environment, resulting in overall growth and development of the state and added that with the government''s focus on infrastructure development in urban and rural areas, demand for cement would increase.