CHENNAI: Even as multinational companies are queuing up to set up shop here, Mukesh Ambani-piloted Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has drawn up plans for a mega foray into Tamil Nadu.

Initial exercises in this regard had commenced already with the company making a detailed presentation of its `action plan' to the State Government last month.

The Reliance blueprint for Tamil Nadu — involving a total investment of around Rs. 15,000 crore — envisages the setting up of a state-of-the-art gas grid and distribution network through pipes. Further, it talks about creation of at least half-a-dozen food processing-cum-distribution centres backed with complete supply chain infrastructure.

Reliance is keen to create a global standard agri-infrastructure in the State through the establishment of rural business hubs (RBHs). "A holistic level collaborative effort will go a long way in the development of the agro-economy of Tamil Nadu," said Reliance in its presentation to the State Government. The group is hoping to establish around 40 RBHs across the State along with 160 spoke locations. The blueprint talks about establishing retail outlets in multiple formats in 75 cities/towns comprising over 85 hyper-markets and 380 super markets.

The group is keen to develop vegetable and fruits markets and put in place agri zones for mangoes, cashew and bananas. The blueprint also envisages Reliance developing and utilising spare capacities in food processing and warehousing.

The gas grid proposal is part of Reliance's larger initiative to use the gas from KG D-6 block. The East-West pipeline connecting Kakinada and Ahmedabad is part of this exercise.

Now, the group is planning to have a pipeline link between Kakinada and Chennai. This will be extended to Tuticorin later on. The blueprint also envisaged laying of spur pipelines to connect major cities/towns.

As a logical extension, the group plans to set up at least 24 local or city natural gas distribution networks across the state, at a cost of around Rs. 1,700 crore.

Reliance Industries has committed to execute the project in 24 months from the date of statutory approvals. The pipeline proposal, according to the group, would provide direct jobs to 3,000 skilled and semi-skilled people and facilitate indirect employment to 30,000 people. In this context, the group has sought the approval of the State Government to undertake city gas distribution in Tamil Nadu.

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