Tata Motors shortlists WB to set up its small car unit

Kolkata, May 12 (UNI) The decision to set up the much talked about small car manufacturing plant by Tata Motors in West Bengal is 'almost final', state Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee announced after a meeting with Tata Motors Managing Director Ravi Kant here today.

Briefing mediapersons about the outcome of the nearly half an hour meeting with the Tata Motors Managing Director, a visibly satisfied Chief Minister said, '' We have been finalising this much sought after project with Tata Motors for more than two months. I could not announce it earlier because of the elections.'' ''Though the company is still looking at possible sites, their decision is almost final,'' a beaming Chief Minister told newsmen, only a day after the ruling Left Front won thumping majority in the just concluded state assembly elections.

He, however, refused to elaborate further on the issue.

Later, Mr Kant said the company has shortlisted West Bengal, along with two other states, for setting up the proposed new small car unit.

The Tata Motors Managing Director said though he met the Chief Minister to congratulate him for returning to power, he also discussed the possibility of setting up the proposed new plant in the state.

He said they had already visited a number of sites in the state, including one in Kharagpur, Uluberia, Dankuni and Haldia, but were yet to take any final decision.

Mr Kant said the company was also looking at suitable sites in some other states. However, he also mentioned that they had shortlisted West Bengal along with a couple of other states and exploring every possibility of setting up the unit here.

He said they would take the final decision very shortly but did not mention whether it would be in favour of the state.

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