Where are notes printed in India?

The production of Indian currency notes and coins is a massive undertaking, and it requires the collaboration of several entities across the country. India has four banknote presses, four mints, and a paper mill that are responsible for printing, minting, and producing Indian currency notes and coins. The banknote presses are strategically located across the country in Dewas (Madhya Pradesh), Nashik (Maharashtra), Salboni (West Bengal), and Mysore (Karnataka). Each of these presses has its own unique capabilities, and they work in tandem to ensure a steady supply of notes to meet the country's demand. The Dewas note press is one of the busiest, producing around 265 crore notes per year, including denominations of Rs 20, 50, 100, and 500. What's fascinating is that the ink used in the notes is also produced in Dewas itself, highlighting the self-sufficiency and attention to detail of the Indian currency production process. India's currency production capabilities are a testament to the country's technological advancement and economic growth. The efficient collaboration between the banknote presses, mints, and paper mill ensures that the Indian currency remains a reliable medium of exchange and a symbol of India's progress.

Did you know that the paper used to print Indian currency notes is produced by only four companies in the world? These companies are highly specialized and must adhere to strict quality control standards to ensure that the paper meets the RBI's specifications.

 Arjo Vigis of France

America's Portal

Sweden's Gain and

Paper Fabrics Lucent.

What are currency notes made of?

The process of creating Indian currency notes is a fascinating blend of cutting-edge technology and age-old traditions. The Reserve Bank of India uses a unique combination of cotton paper and special ink to produce the notes, which are renowned for their durability and security features.

To produce the paper, the Currency Note Press (CNP) in Maharashtra and the Hoshangabad Paper Mill in Madhya Pradesh work tirelessly to ensure a steady supply. While some paper is imported, the majority is produced domestically to maintain self-sufficiency and ensure a reliable supply chain.

The ink used in the printing of the notes is also produced domestically, with the offset ink being manufactured at the Dewas banknote press in Madhya Pradesh. The embossed print, which is a hallmark of Indian currency notes, is made at SICPA (Société Industrielle et Commerciale de Produits Alimentaires), a unit of the Swiss firm based in Sikkim.

How are notes printed?

The production process of Indian currency notes is a complex and intricate one, involving state-of-the-art machinery and expert craftsmanship. Once the paper sheets are received from abroad or Hoshangabad, they are fed into a specialized machine called the Simonton, which prepares the sheets for printing.

The actual printing of the notes is done using another machine called the Intaglio, which applies the ink to the sheets and creates the intricate designs and patterns seen on the notes. After the printing process is complete, the notes undergo a rigorous sorting process, where any defective notes are removed.

One of the most striking features of Indian currency notes is the bright pink color used to print the note number. Additionally, the notes are embedded with shiny fibers that glow under ultraviolet light, making them even more difficult to counterfeit.

The paper used to print Indian currency notes is a unique blend of cotton and cotton fibers mixed with watermarked paper. In fact, the first watermarked note in India was printed way back in 1861, highlighting the country's long and rich history of producing high-quality currency notes