UltraTech Cement on Saturday announced a fresh investment of Rs 13,000 crore that will increase its production capacity by 21.9 million tonnes. The board of the AV Birla group firm on Satur- day approved the third phase of growth with the additional Investment.

After commissioning of this expansion, UltraTech will have a capacity of 35.5 million tonnes in South India; 40.4 million tonnes in the East, 36.2 million tonnes in the North, 35.7 million tonnes in Central India and 33.8 million tonnes in the West.

This will be achieved by setting up four greenfield and four brownfield plants along with four greenfield bulk terminals.

Commercial production from these new capacities is expected to go on stream in a phased manner from 2025-26 onwards and will increase the company's cement capacity to 187 million tonnes globally.

"Over the past seven years, UltraTech has strategically in vested over Rs.50,000 crore to support India's rapidly chang- ing infrastructure landscape. Our fresh commitment of Rs 13,000 crore underscores our deep-rooted belief in India's economic potential. With each investment, we have not only expanded our footprint but also powered India's needs for housing, roads, and other vital infrastructure," Kumar Man galam Birla, chairman of the Aditya Birla group.

Birla added that earlier this year he had disclosed the group's ambition to reach a capacity of 200 million tonnes and its latest move would mark a pivotal step in that di rection.

"With this round of capex, UltraTech reinforces its post tion as one of the largest cement companies in the world and a national champion," he said.

There will be no invest ment in thermal power capaci ty from this investment, in line with UltraTech's mission to reduce carbon emissions."

The expansion also includes investments in setting up additional 39 MW. WHRS (waste recovery heat systems) capacity.