Karnataka CM invites Tata to set-up Nano plant

Bangalore, Oct 6 : Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa today invited Tata Motors to set up manufacturing plant for world's cheapest car 'Nano' in the state.

While talking to media persons in Bangalore on Monday, Yeddyurappa extended the overture to the Tata's to come to Karnataka in the wake of its decision to move out from Singur due to strong resistance from Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal.

The state has decided to send an official invitation to Tata Motor's to set up plant at Dharwad.

Karnataka is ready to provide one thousand acres of land, water, power and other required infrastructure.

As of now, two rounds of talks have already taken place between the officials of the state and the carmakers.

"Myself, Chief Secretary, Finance Secretary and other senior officials had a discussion with the Tata Motor's officials today as well as on Sunday," said Yeddyurappa, adding, "We are officially going to send a letter to the Tatas. "

Yeddyurappa said, "We have promised to give them whatever they want - power, land and water. If they require anything else, we are ready."

"They wanted to check the sites in three-four other states before deciding," said Yeddyurappa, while emphasizing that discussions were on.

Dharwad, a well-connected district by rail, road and air, already has Tata's bus manufacturing facility.

Apart from holding discussions with the state officials, the office bearers of Tata Motor's surveyed a few locations on Sunday.

The country's top vehicle maker has said Nano would be launched this month, which is expected to be priced around 1,00,000 rupees and would be the world's cheapest car.

Tata Motors, the third-biggest carmaker in India, had planned to make 2,50,000 cars at the Singur plant in West Bengal initially, increasing capacity to 3,50,000 units.

Work at the plant was nearly complete when farmers, backed by Trinamool Congress, stepped up protests alleging they were forced off their land.

ANI