Ashok Leyland, the Hinduja group flagship, has proposed to set up its light commercial vehicle (LCV) plant in Andhra Pradesh at an investment of Rs 1,500 crore.Executives of the company met chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy on Tuesday, and informed him that the proposed plant would have a capacity of 1 lakh units in the first phase at an investment ranging between Rs 1,000 crore and Rs 1,500 crore. It would also like to double the capacity in the next phase, according to Sam Bob, secretary, industries department."Senior officials of Ashok Leyland had informed the chief minister about the company's intent to set up a LCV plant in the state and also sought land for the same. Though they have not given any written proposal to the government as yet, it was more or less clear from yesterday's meeting that the company has made up its mind in favour of Andhra for this plant," Bob told Business Standard.The chief minister has instructed the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) to help provide suitable land. The company has sought about 600 acres. However, the company has to select a location among the three shortlisted places -- Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Nellore. The company team would soon finalise one of them, the industries secretary said.
