Swraj Paul likely to set up sports car hub in Bengal
Kounteya Sinha & Udit Prasanna Mukherji
London:
TNN
West Bengal Chief Minister Cuts Short UK Trip In View Of Rain Alert
Bengal might get yet another chance at rolling out a fast car after its Nano dream witnessed an early death. If all goes well, Lord Swraj Paul-led Caparo Group may set up a compact sports car manufactur ing unit in the state, where it already has 18 acres.
With CM Mamata Banerjee by his side, Paul said on Wednesday that his company is looking forward to integrating its auto ancillary business. Currently the group is working on the design of a low-end sports car for the Indian and Asian market.However, Paul didn't give any investment figure for the project.The Caparo group has business interests in the manufacturing and marketing of car bodies, steel sheets and other auto engineering products.
“This project is currently at the R&D stage. We have entrusted British Formula One giant McLaren with its design. If all goes well, India would be the place where I plan to set up its manufacturing base,“ Paul said.
When asked, if Bengal would be his preferred choice, Paul replied: “West Bengal would certainly have the first rights of refusal. We already have 18 acres in Singur, which we had bought directly from the state government to set up an auto ancillary unit. We might work with the government to untangle the logjam.“
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who met industry bigwigs at Paul's residence, however, was forced to cut short her visit and return to Kolkata in view of a heavy rain alert for Bengal. “There is a cyclone alert for us and Bangladesh. I am returning today (Wednesday). I am taking the night flight back from London. I have spoken to the home secretary and we are taking all precautions,“ the CM told reporters.
