The Hindu Business Line : Plan panel okays Rs 1,600-cr auto testing facilities

THE Planning Commission has cleared a project to set up two new automobile testing facilities in the country at an estimated cost of over Rs 1,600 crore.

As of now, the proposal is with the Ministry of Finance, which is likely to clear it within the next few weeks, sources said. The two centres would be the second such automobile testing facilities in Asia outside Japan. According to Government sources, the two centres, one in the North and the other in the South, will be ready for use by the end of fiscal 2006-07.

Work on the northern centre has already started, with the Government sanctioning Rs 49 crore for the facility at Manesar in Haryana, close to the Maruti Udyog manufacturing plant.

According to plans, the project is to be funded jointly through the cess funds collected from sales of automobiles as well as direct grants from the Government. The centres are to be equipped with a proving ground and advanced crash testing facilities.

Further, it will also include research and development (R&D) laboratories for automobiles and automotive components as well.

According to an industry official, with newer technologies and emission norms coming up, the centres will help in harmonising the Indian automotive industry with global standards.

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