At the inauguration of a 1.2Mt bulk cement terminal in Mumbai, France-based Vicat Group announced that it has invested INR3bn (US$43m) this year on capacity expansions in southern and eastern India.

"We have already invested INR3bn this year. Our expansion plan includes setting up of 1.2Mt of bulk cement terminal at Kalamboli in Mumbai and second line of 2.75Mta capacity in existing Kalburgi cement plant and establishing a grinding unit of 1.7Mta capacity at Vizag in Andhra Pradesh to expand our footprint," said Vicat India CEO, Anoop Kumar Saxena.

Overall the company plans to increase its capacity in India from 8.25Mta to 13Mta by 2021.

"To meet the overall five per cent growth in cement industry, we have major expansion plans in India. We have chalked out INR17bn investment plans by 2021 to increase our cement manufacturing capacity to 13Mt," said Mr Saxena.

Additionally, the company launched its "Vicat" brand in the country on Monday.