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Raje joins Nano race; offers land

JAIPUR: Not to be left behind in what could now be termed the “Nano car race” among the States, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has offered land and all “necessary logistic support” to the Tata group to wheel in the small car project to this desert State after the company’s threat to pull out of Singur in West Bengal.

Rajasthan is the fourth State to invite the Tatas for setting up the car unit after Maharashtra, Punjab and Orissa.

“Rajasthan is willing to roll out red carpet for Tatas to set up the Nano car plant in the State,” sources quoting Ms. Raje said here.

The Chief Minister is likely to write to group chairman Rattan Tata soon pointing out the existence of an auto hub in Alwar district of Rajasthan. “The upcoming Honda plant in Bhiwadi area in the State where the cars are to roll out from next year stands testimony to the investor-friendly climate of State,” the Chief Minister said.

As such Rajasthan does not have any major investment from the Tata group so far. However this seemingly has not discouraged the Chief Minister from making a try.

The sources in the State’s industrial and investment departments said the initiation was not a verbal exercise as the State had the wherewithal and the right type of atmosphere to support such a plant. “We are very realistic about the offer of the Chief Minister. We can offer land in at least half a dozen places without any delay,” said B.N. Sharma, Managing Director of Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation.

RIICO had set up the prestigious Bhiwadi Industrial Area in Alwar where the 650-acre car project of Honda Group has come up. Dozens of auto companies and manufacturers of automobile ancillaries are already there in the Bhiwadi, which is less than three hours’ drive from Delhi.

“We are in a position to give them option on choice of location. Land is available in Bhiwadi and Neemrana in Alwar district, in Jaipur district and in Mount Abu as well, to mention a few places” Mr. Sharma revealed.

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