Dalmia Bharat Ltd is moving ahead with plans to acquire land in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, for a new cement plant even as it remains in the race to acquire Jaiprakash Associates Ltd’s cement assets under insolvency.

Managing director and CEO Puneet Dalmia said the new project will serve as an alternative growth path if the company’s bid for the bankrupt cement maker does not materialize.

India’s fourth-largest cement producer is also proceeding with obtaining environment clearance (EC) and other regulatory permissions for the Jaisalmer plant, Dalmia said, reiterating that the project remains an alternative pursuit in case the bid for the bankrupt Jaiprakash Associates does not fructify.

Last month, news agency PTI reported that Vedanta Ltd had emerged as the highest bidder for Jaiprakash Associates with an offer of ₹17,000 crore. Vedanta’s bid will need approvals from Jaiprakash Associates’s committee of creditors and then the National Company Law Tribunal, which may take 10–12 months.

Jaiprakash Associates, which was opened by Jaypee Group, was admitted into insolvency in June last year.

“We expect that we will be able to complete the majority of land acquisition and obtain EC by March 2026…During the same time, we will also get clarity on the ongoing resolution of Jaiprakash Associates under IBC,” Dalmia said.

Dalmia Bharat is also pitted against Adani Enterprises Ltd, Jindal Power Ltd, and PNC-Infratech Ltd for the assets of Noida-based Jaiprakash Associates.