Dr. Jitendra Singh Lays Rs 600 Crore Pharma Facility Foundation in Kathua
Kathua, 14 March 2026: In a major boost to Jammu & Kashmir’s industrial infrastructure, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today laid the foundation stone of a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical manufacturing facility at Village Gadadhar, Kathua. The facility, backed by an investment of Rs 600–700 crore, is being developed by Orchid Bio Pharma with support from BIRAC, under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Singh said, “With Kathua’s growing industrial infrastructure, the region has the potential to emerge as a key pharmaceutical manufacturing hub on India’s export map.” He emphasized that the project is expected to generate nearly 400 direct jobs, with an equal number of indirect employment opportunities for suppliers, logistics providers, and allied sectors.
Strengthening India’s Pharma Capabilities
The Kathua facility will focus on manufacturing Amino Cephalosporanic Acid (ACA), a critical intermediate for cephalosporin antibiotics. Currently, India relies heavily on imports of this intermediate from China. Dr. Singh highlighted that the new facility will reduce import dependence, enhance national health security, and ensure stable supply and pricing of essential antibiotics.
He added that the project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to make India self-reliant in pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chains. The facility complements the newly announced ₹10,000 crore Biopharma Shakti initiative, aiming to strengthen India’s biopharma ecosystem.
Boosting Regional and National Growth
Dr. Singh noted that the Kathua facility is part of a broader development strategy for Jammu & Kashmir, integrating knowledge-driven industries, skill development, and long-term value creation. “This is not just about reducing imports; it’s about building strategic capability where it matters most,” he said.
According to Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, bioeconomy initiatives like this demonstrate India’s growing competitiveness in global biotechnology and advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The facility is set to position India as a reliable global supplier of essential medicines, especially during health emergencies, reinforcing the country’s role in global healthcare.
Key Highlights
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Project: Orchid Bio Pharma’s advanced pharma facility in Kathua
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Investment: Rs 600–700 crore under PLI scheme
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Employment: ~400 direct, 400 indirect jobs
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Focus: Manufacturing Amino Cephalosporanic Acid (ACA)
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Strategic Impact: Reduces import dependence, strengthens health security, boosts India’s pharma exports
Stakeholders Present
Dr. Jitendra Kumar (MD, BIRAC), Sh. Ram Gopal Agarwal (Chairman, Dhanuka Group), Sh. Manish Dhanuka (MD, Orchid Biopharma), and Sh. Rajesh Sharma (Deputy Commissioner, Kathua) were also present at the foundation stone ceremony.
This milestone project underscores the role of Jammu & Kashmir in India’s industrial and pharmaceutical growth story, marking a key chapter in the celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.