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

Kolkata, Nov 25 (UNI) Despite all political opposition, Tata Motors' much-awaited small car manufacturing unit will come up at Singur in Hooghly and the first car will hit the road in 2008, company Managing Director Ravikant categorically stated here this evening.

Speaking to newsmen at the end of his one-day visit to the city in connection with an automibile seminar, Mr Ravikant also made it clear that the first car of the 2,50,000 capacity per annum plant would roll out "definitely in 2008" ending all speculations.

To newsmen's queries about the impact of the continuous opposition for the acquisition of some farm land in the proposed site, the Tata Motors chief 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 of Chairman Ratan Tata is 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 willingly given consent for handing over 927 acre of land out of the total 998 acre, required for the proposed unit." " With the availability of the consent for acquisition of more than 90 per cent land, we hope the state government would start handing over these to us within the next few weeks, " Mr Ravikant reiterated without specifying the dates.

Referring to the Tata Motors' decision to set up the small car project in the state overruling the claims of several other states, he said, " Initially they had decided to set up the plant in some other state, but after meeting Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and some other senior officials to discuss their proposals about eleven months ago, Tata Motors Chairman Ratan Tata had zeroed in on West Bengal and since then we have stuck to our decision. " Dwelling at lengh on the rationale behind their decision to select Singur as the most suitable site for the plant and not any other site, he explained that it was just because of its very good accessability, road connectivity and the availability of other infrastructural facilities, which had prompted them to select the site in consultation with the state government.

He also lauded the "work culture and professionalism" of the people of the state and the Government and 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 sector in the country within the next couple of years.

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

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

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