Shree Cement Limited, one of India's largest cement producers inaugurated its new integrated cement plant in Dachepalli village, Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. The plant, which has a cement production capacity of 3 million tons per annum (MTPA), was commissioned six months ahead of schedule and built with an investment of over Rs 2,500 crore.

The Guntur plant is Shree Cement's sixth integrated production facility in India and second in the southern region after Kodla, Karnataka. It will increase the company's total manufacturing capacity to 56.4 MTPA.

The plant is designed to serve the growing markets of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and is expected to generate approximately 700 direct jobs and 1,300 indirect jobs.

Speaking at the inauguration, Shree Cement Managing Director Neeraj Akhoury said the plant uses advanced technology for manufacturing and controlling emissions.

It is designed to utilize 30% alternate fuel and raw materials such as municipal waste and biomass - the highest in the Indian cement industry. Innovative features like placing the limestone crusher 40 feet below ground within the mining pit help reduce diesel usage.