Honda Cars awaits green nod for Rs 1,577-cr expansion project

Honda Cars India will have to wait for the Rs 1,577-crore expansion project at its Tapukara plant in Rajasthan as the Environment Ministry has sought more details before giving its final nod.
"Honda Cars India's proposal was examined in a recent meeting of the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC). Based on the presentation made and discussions held, the Committee desired additional information," a senior government official said.
The company has been asked to submit details of medical reports related to audiometry, spirometry, musculoskeletal disorder and chest x-ray of workers.
It has also been asked to re-check non-methane hydro-carbons in ambient air and submit data related to volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, paint sludge disposal, water balance and net energy consumption for the plant, among others.

The official said that the EAC will reconsider the proposal after receiving the additional information.
Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) has proposed expansion of its production capacity at Tapukara along with indigenisation of various car parts to reduce costs.

The company sought green nod for expansion of aluminium melting from 20,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) to 30,000 TPA, propane storage from 50 tonnes to 100 tonnes and power back up from 4.9 MW to 37.3 MW.
In the EAC meeting, HCIL informed it has enough space for the proposed expansion as it has 17.68 lakh square meters of land.
The company also said that it will develop a green belt area for control of air pollution. It would take adequate environment protection measures to minimise the impact of activities related to pre-construction, machinery installation and commissioning.

In March, HCIL had announced that it will increase the production capacity of its Tapukara plant to 1.80 lakh units from the current 1.20 lakh. It had said the additional capacity was scheduled to be ready by middle of 2016.
The Tapukara plant had started assembly operations in February 2014. It integrates various functions, including operations for forging, casting, stamping, power-train components production, painting, engine assembly and frame assembly, as well as an engine testing facility.
The company has another plant at Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh.
HCIL sells compact car Brio, compact sedan Amaze, mid-sized sedan City, premium hatchback Jazz, multi-purpose vehicle Mobilio and premium sports utility vehicle CR-V.