From Our Correspondent
Satyavedu (Tirupati district): Reiterating that electric vehicles (EVs) represent the future of the automotive industry, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday urged Hero MotoCorp to accelerate its electric mobility plans and position its Sri City facility as one of the company’s flagship manufacturing hubs.
The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for Hero MotoCorp’s Global Parts Centre 2.0 at the company’s manufacturing facility in Madanapalle, Satyavedu, alongside Hero MotoCorp Executive Chairman Pawan Munjal.
Naidu also visited the existing manufacturing plant, interacted with employees and launched the Brij Mohan Lall Munjal Heroes of Tomorrow Scholarship, instituted in memory of the company’s founder.
Calls for ₹3,200-crore expansion
Addressing the gathering, Naidu recalled that the state government had persuaded Hero MotoCorp to establish its plant in Andhra Pradesh when the company was considering other locations.
“The foundation stone for the plant was laid in 2018, and today it has grown into a major manufacturing facility. It is encouraging that the company is now producing VIDA electric two-wheelers here,” he said.
The Chief Minister urged the company to commence its proposed ₹3,200-crore expansion at the earliest and develop the Andhra Pradesh unit into one of Hero MotoCorp’s most important production centres.
“The future belongs to electric vehicles. Hero MotoCorp should be fully prepared to meet the growing demand for EVs,” Naidu said, assuring the company of complete government support for speedy implementation of the expansion project.
AP ahead in green energy
Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s clean energy ambitions, Naidu said the state has already moved ahead of most other states in renewable energy development.
“We have drawn up plans to develop 160 GW of green energy capacity and have already signed agreements for 100 GW of power generation. Andhra Pradesh is one step ahead of other states in this sector,” he said.
He added that the state’s industrial strategy combines renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and world-class infrastructure to attract global investments.
Focus on industrial ecosystem
Naidu said the government has shifted from “Ease of Doing Business” to “Speed of Doing Business” by ensuring faster approvals and project execution.
He said Andhra Pradesh now offers strong road, rail, port and airport connectivity along with adequate water supply for both agriculture and industries.
“The government is committed not only to signing investment agreements but also to ensuring that projects are grounded quickly and begin commercial production,” he said.
Women powering manufacturing
The Chief Minister praised Hero MotoCorp for creating employment opportunities for women, noting that around 40% of the company’s workforce at the plant comprises women.
He said Andhra Pradesh’s women have consistently demonstrated their ability to quickly acquire industrial skills and contribute significantly to manufacturing.
Naidu also thanked Hero MotoCorp for supporting the Andhra Pradesh Police by providing electric two-wheelers for women police personnel in Tirupati.