Kathua, April 19, 2025: In a significant development for Jammu and Kashmir’s industrial landscape, Chandra Kumar Dhanuka, Chairman of Dhunseri Group, and R.K. Sharma, CEO, met with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on April 19, 2025, to discuss their proposed investment in a Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene film manufacturing unit in Kathua.
The proposed facility in Kathua, a key industrial area in Jammu, aims to cater to the rising demand for BOPP films, widely used in packaging for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Dhunseri Group, known for its expertise in polyester film production through its subsidiary Dhunseri Poly Films, recently launched a ₹570-crore BOPET film plant in Panagarh, West Bengal, creating over 300 jobs. The Kathua unit is expected to follow a similar model, promising substantial economic benefits, including job creation and enhanced local supply chains.
“Mr. Dhanuka and Mr. Sharma briefed me on their plans for a BOPP film manufacturing unit in Kathua, which will contribute to industrial growth and employment in the region. The project aligns with Jammu\u0027s efforts to attract investment under initiatives like the J&K Industrial Land Allotment Policy 2021-30, which offers incentives like GST reimbursement and capital investment subsidies.
Kathua’s strategic location, with access to SIDCO’s Bhagthali Industrial Estate, makes it an ideal site for the proposed unit. The region has seen recent industrial growth, such as Bloomtex Industries’ ₹120-crore textile unit, which employs 650 youths. Dhunseri’s investment is expected to further bolster Kathua’s economy, leveraging the area’s infrastructure and proximity to major markets.
Dhunseri Group, led by Dhanuka, has a strong track record in the packaging sector. Its Panagarh plant, inaugurated in February 2024, produces 52,000 tonnes of BOPET films annually, serving industries like food and personal care. The Kathua facility is anticipated to focus on BOPP films, which offer high tensile strength and barrier properties, meeting the packaging industry’s growing demand, projected to grow at over 12% annually in India.
Local stakeholders are optimistic about the project’s impact. “This investment will create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, from factory workers to logistics providers,” said a Kathua-based entrepreneur, Anil Sharma. The project also complements Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism-driven economy, recently highlighted by events like the Amarnath Yatra 2025, which registered 4,200 pilgrims on Day 1, boosting local businesses.
While details on the investment size and timeline remain undisclosed, the proposal marks a step toward diversifying Jammu and Kashmir’s economic base. The Chief Minister’s Office has assured support for expediting approvals, signalling a welcoming environment for investors like Dhunseri Group. As Kathua gears up for this industrial leap, the region stands to gain from enhanced employment, infrastructure, and economic resilience.
