Nano trial production to start from June-July

Singur, Feb 20: The trial production of the Tata Motors small car 'Nano' would start from June-July this year and commercial production commence about two months later, Tata Motors Managing Director Ravikant said here today.

Addressing mediapersons here after holding meetings with the management and technical staff of the company, Mr Ravikant said, ''We are very satisfied with the swift and smooth progress of the small car project. Despite innumerable constraints and obstacles, we have been very successful in achieving our target of starting production by June-July.'' He, however, refused to elaborate when asked about the obstacles the project had to overcome.

The MD also thanked the state government for extending all-out support and cooperation for the success of the project.

''Work at the site is progressing at a swift pace and the equipment are being transported and other technical formalities completed. If we are successful in maintaining the present pace, we will easily achieve our target of starting commercial production by September-October,'' Mr Ravikant said.

Meanwhile, a group of more than a hundred farmers, led by Trinamool Congress MLA Rabindranath Bhattacharya, launched an agitation outside the Tata Motors gate, shouting slogans.

A huge police contingent, led by Superintendent of Police Rajiv Mishra, managed to bring the situation under control.

A large number of security personnel were still deployed in the area to prevent any untoward incident.

UNI