Tamil Nadu CM Drives First Range Rover from New JLR Facility in Ranipet
Chief Minister M K Stalin officially inaugurated the Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) manufacturing plant at Panapakkam in Ranipet district, approximately 90 kilometers from Chennai. The landmark event saw the Chief Minister personally driving the first Range Rover produced at the facility, signaling a major milestone for Tamil Nadu's industrial landscape.
Massive Investment and Phased Development
The new JLR plant represents a substantial investment commitment of ₹9,000 crore to be developed across multiple phases. The initial phase alone involves an investment of ₹900 crore, establishing India as a crucial node in JLR's global manufacturing network, which already includes operations in the United Kingdom, China, and Brazil.
Record-Breaking Commissioning Timeline
In his inaugural address, Chief Minister Stalin emphasized the plant's significance not only for Tamil Nadu but for the entire nation, as it will manufacture world-class premium Range Rover vehicles. He highlighted the exceptional efficiency demonstrated in the project's execution, noting that "the facility has been commissioned within just 16 months of laying the foundation stone in September 2024."
"Typically, projects of this magnitude require three to four years for commissioning," Stalin explained. "However, we have successfully reduced this timeline by half, showcasing our government's commitment to rapid industrial development."
Industrial Growth and Future Prospects
The Chief Minister further underscored the state government's effectiveness in converting Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) into operational industrial projects. He announced that 100 new projects will be commissioned during the upcoming 'conversion conclave' in the following days, demonstrating Tamil Nadu's accelerating industrial momentum.
Earlier in the ceremony, Stalin, alongside Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran, flagged off a convoy of Range Rover Evoque cars from the newly inaugurated facility.
Tata Group's Vision and Production Capacity
Chandrasekaran described the project launch as "a golden day for the Tata Group," emphasizing its strategic importance. He detailed that the project will be implemented in three distinct phases over the next four years.
"Upon completion of all phases," Chandrasekaran stated, "the plant is projected to manufacture between 2.5 lakh to 3 lakh vehicles annually, significantly boosting India's premium automotive manufacturing capabilities."
This inauguration marks a pivotal moment in India's automotive industry, positioning Tamil Nadu as a key hub for luxury vehicle production and reinforcing the state's reputation for business-friendly policies and efficient project implementation.
