Nepal is on the way to become self-reliant within seven months if the work at the six cement factories goes on as scheduled and start production on the target dates.  

Five of these new factories are to produce clinker on their own.

The combined production capacity of these six factories would be 5,000 tonnes per day. The total investment combined in these factories is said to be Rs 12.55 billion.

Dhruba Thapa, vice president of Nepal Cement Industries Association said, “Now our own production can meet the national demand.”

Nepal’s present cement demand is estimated at around 3 million metric tonnes a year. Domestic producers are supplying around 1.5 to 2 million metric tonnes. Remaining demand is fulfilled by imports, mainly from India.

Among the six new cement factories, two in Dang are scheduled to go operational by mid-April. Of the two, Ghorahi Cement has the capacity of 1800 tonnes per day (TPD) while that of Sonapur Cement is 750 tpd.

Likewise, Shivam Cement (1200 tpd) in Hetauda of Makwanpur is planning to start production by August. Similarly, while the Rolpa Cement (500 tpd) is planning to start production by July, Nigale Cement in Dhankuta is to begin production by April.

Also, Bishal Cement in Bhairahawa is starting production before May. However, it is based on imported clinker.