Our Correspondent (BusinessLine)

MADURAI, April 2

TUTICORIN should be considered as a site for setting up the Volkswagen unit, said The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Tuticorin.

In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Ms J. Jayalalithaa, recently at Chennai, the Chamber President, Mr T. Johnson, has said that Tuticorin should be considered as a location for the plant.

Citing reasons, Mr Johnson said the Tuticorin Port is in close proximity to international sea route and hence all imports and exports will be cost effective. It is also well connected by road, rail, air and sea.

Large industries such as Sterlite Industries (India) Ltd, SPIC Ltd, TAC Ltd, and DCW Ltd, are also located here.

He said the Tuticorin Port has earmarked around 350 acres for declaration of SEZ and the Ministry of Shipping has given an in-principle approval.

Water supply could be augmented from Srivaikundam reservoir, which passes through Manjalneerkayal, near Tuticorin.

Mr Johnson has further said there was abundant availability of labour in Tuticorin and the Volkswagen plant would create employment opportunities and bring in more allied industries