Ashok Leyland Evaluates EV Battery Project in Bhandara with up to Rs 15,000 Crore Outlay: TOI

Commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland is evaluating setting up an electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant as part of its industrial expansion in Bhandara, Maharashtra, which could entail an investment between Rs 10,000 crore and Rs 15,000 crore, The Times of India reported, citing Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.

Speaking at an event in Nagpur on Sunday where he inaugurated an Ashok Leyland-donated 40-seater electric bus for senior citizens' pilgrimage services, Gadkari highlighted the investment potential of the Vidarbha region. The minister stated that if the automaker proceeds with the project, it would significantly boost regional industrial capital expenditure, according to the report.

"If they go ahead, then it could bring in investments between Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 15,000 crore," Gadkari said, as quoted by The Times of India.

Pitching Vidarbha as a manufacturing and distribution base, Gadkari highlighted the region's operational advantages, including an uninterrupted industrial labor environment, expanding multi-modal logistics networks, and an operational dry port enabling direct freight exports. He noted that Mahindra has commenced work on a Rs 15,000 crore manufacturing unit in the region.

"There is a very friendly atmosphere here and Vidarbha is a fantastic place for investments," Gadkari reportedly stated.

Urging manufacturers to base corporate and operational functions in the district, Gadkari said, "You must make Nagpur your headquarters. We will fully cooperate with you."