Indian billionaire Adani to invest In Nepal's Samrat Cement

CG partners with Adani Group as Nepal’s cement industry attracts major foreign investment

Aarthiknews

March 23, 2025, 8:31 a.m.

KATHMANDU, MARCH 23: Indian billionaire businessman Gautam Adani is set to invest in Samrat Cement, where Chaudhary Group (CG) holds a majority stake. The Investment Board has already approved the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed to facilitate Adani Group’s entry into Nepal’s cement industry.

Currently, CG owns 74.8% of Samrat Cement, while Anil Rungta holds 13%, Topendra Kumar Sharma 2%, and Camper Finance 11%. The board had previously approved an investment of Rs 15.06 billion for the company.

Adani Group, which operates Ambuja Cement, is aggressively expanding its footprint to become the largest cement producer. In India, it has been acquiring major cement companies, including Penna Cement, Saurashtra Cement, and Badraj Cement.

With the Narendra Modi-led government prioritizing infrastructure investment, the demand for cement in India is rising, attracting significant interest from business leaders. Adani, known for his close ties with Modi, is now set to partner with CG in Samrat Cement.

The exact scale of Adani’s investment in the company has not yet been disclosed.

CG initially acquired a 51% stake in Samrat Cement and has since increased its shareholding to two-thirds by purchasing shares from early investors Mukunda Prasad Timilsina, Chhuten Lama, and Basudev Pandey.

Established in 2013, Samrat Cement spans 46 bighas of land. It operates a clinker-integrated grinding plant in Dang, located just 2 km from the East-West Highway. The company produces OPC and PPC cement using VRM and robotic technology under the brand names Gajaraj, Baja, and Badshah. Gajaraj Cement is particularly popular in Lumbini, Sudurpashchim, and Karnali provinces.

Initially registered with the Department of Industry, Samrat Cement later came under the board’s jurisdiction after its investment exceeded Rs 6 billion. The company’s total investment has now surpassed Rs 15 billion. With ongoing expansion, its daily production capacity has grown from 1,800 metric tons to 4,500 metric tons.