Last Updated on February 12, 2026 9:37 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
AMN / BIZ DESK
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. (TMPV) and its subsidiary Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Plc. (JLR) have officially begun operations at their new manufacturing facility in Panapakkam, located in Tamil Nadu’s Ranipet district. The plant marks a major step in Tata Motors’ long-term strategy to expand advanced automobile production in India, including next-generation and electric vehicles.
The facility, currently representing the first phase of a larger greenfield manufacturing project, has already rolled out its first vehicle — the locally manufactured Range Rover Evoque. Globally recognised for its premium design and craftsmanship, the Evoque becomes the first JLR model to be produced at the new Tamil Nadu plant, signalling a strong push toward localisation and strengthening India’s role in luxury vehicle manufacturing.
The new plant was formally inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin along with Tata Sons and TMPV Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, in the presence of senior government officials, ministers, public representatives, and leadership from Tata Motors, JLR, and the Tata Group.
Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin highlighted Tamil Nadu’s long-standing partnership with the Tata Group and called the start of operations a proud milestone for the state. He said the facility reinforces Tamil Nadu’s position as India’s leading hub for manufacturing and mobility, while also contributing to job creation and innovation in the automotive sector.
Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran described the launch as an important milestone in Tata Group’s broader mission to accelerate India’s leadership in sustainable and future-ready manufacturing. He added that the company aims to produce vehicles of exceptional quality, technology, and craftsmanship for both domestic and global markets.
TMPV stated that the Panapakkam plant combines advanced manufacturing technologies with a highly trained workforce. The facility is operated by shopfloor technicians recruited from across Tamil Nadu through a rigorous statewide selection process targeting polytechnic graduates. These recruits underwent five months of intensive hands-on training at JLR facilities as part of Tata Motors’ Lakshya programme, an “earn while you learn” initiative designed to develop talent from the shopfloor into engineering and management roles. Employees also have the opportunity to earn a company-sponsored B.Tech degree while continuing their work.
Production at the plant will increase gradually, with Tata Motors aiming to reach the facility’s designed annual capacity of 250,000 vehicles over the next five to seven years. The output will cater to both Indian demand and international export markets.
TMPV plans to invest around ₹9,000 crore in developing the Panapakkam facility into a cutting-edge manufacturing hub. The project is expected to generate more than 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, while supporting the growth of a strong local supplier and ancillary ecosystem.
The company also emphasised the sustainability focus of the plant. Designed with green manufacturing principles, the facility is intended to operate entirely on renewable energy, be water-positive, and follow strict global environmental standards aimed at minimising emissions and improving efficiency.
The launch further strengthens Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles’ position as a major player in India’s automobile industry, especially as the company accelerates its transition toward electric mobility and next-generation vehicle platforms.