Tata's first small car to be rolled out in 2008

Kolkata, Nov 25 (UNI) Tata Motors Managing Director Ravikant today made it clear that the proposed small car project will be set up at Singur and the first car will be rolled out in 2008.

He categorically reiterated that despite the strong Opposition from the Trinamool Congress, the small car unit with an investment of Rs 1000 crore would certainly be set up in West Bengal as a strain of emotional bond was lying behind the coming up of the dream project.

To a question, Mr Ravikant said they were very satisfied with the progress in terms of the acquisition of land for the proposed plant, and added, " We have already been informed by the state government that the farmers have given consent for handing over 927 acre of land out of the total 998 acre, required for the unit. " " With the availability of the consent for acquisition we hope the land would actually be started handing over to Tata Motors within a next few weeks, " he stated.

Referring to the Tata Motors' decision to set up the dream project in the state and not in any other state, he admitted that initially they had decided to set up the plant in some other states, but after meeting Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and some other senior officials, Tata Motors Chairman Ratan Tata had decided to opt for the state about 11 months ago.

Dwelling on the rationale behind their decision to select Singur as the most suitable site for the plant, he explained that it was just because of its accessability and availability of other infrastructural facilities, which had prompted them to select the site.

Lauding for the work culture and professionalism of the people of the state and the Government, Mr Ravikant said he did not mind in holding an open hearted discussion across the table with the Trinamool Congress leaders, and for that matter with anybody about their vision in the country's auto industry, poised to emerge as the largest manufacturing unit in the country within the next couple of years.

Tata Motors would also explain to all stakeholders about the proposal in details.

He said when the plant would come up within the next two years, it would generate about 2000 direct employment and 10,000 indirect employment and would ensure a paradigm shift in the industrialisation programme of the state.

UNI