Blow to twin city’s auto hub dream
The shifting has cast a shadow on the Tata Metallic project proposed to be set up in Haveri
Hubli: The failure of the state government to woo two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp has evoked criticism from businessmen and small entrepreneurs in the region.
Their hope to turn the twin city into an Auto Hub has been dashed with the company deciding to go to Andhra Pradesh though other automobile industries have already set up their units in Dharwad.
Now, shifting of South Korean steel giant Posco and the loss of MotoCorp has cast a shadow on the Tata Metallic project proposed to be set up in Haveri. The chamber of commerce and industry has expressed concern that the Tata Metalik project will be lost if the government’s apathy continues.
A Hero Honda team had visited the twin cities in 2010 and had shortlisted Dharwad as a site for its plant with investment of Rs 2,000 crore. But the state government once again failed to woo the automobile industry after Tata Nano moved to Gujarat in 2008. This has invited the wrath of small entrepreneurs as their future hinges on setting up of major industries.
A talent pool has been built with the growth of ITI and engineering colleges in the region after setting up of Tata Motors and Tata Marcopolo in Dharwad. But skilled youth are forced to migrate to bigger cities as other major industries including Tata Metaliks have not set up their units in the region.