In a major boost to Tamil Nadu’s industrial and innovation landscape, UK-based Hinduja Group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the state government to invest ₹7,500 crore in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The investment will focus on cell and battery manufacturing, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and EV charging stations, and is expected to generate over 1,000 jobs across the state.
The announcement was made during the UK leg of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s TN Rising Europe investment drive, which has so far secured ₹15,516 crore in commitments from companies in the UK and Germany, projected to create 17,613 jobs. The Hinduja Group’s investment will be channeled through its Indian flagship Ashok Leyland and other group entities, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s ambition to become a global hub for sustainable mobility and advanced battery technologies.
In a parallel development, global pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca has announced a ₹716 crore expansion of its Global Innovation and Technology Centre (GITC) in Chennai. This marks AstraZeneca’s third strategic investment in Tamil Nadu within two years, underscoring its confidence in the state’s talent pool and governance. The GITC plays a critical role in AstraZeneca’s global operations, supporting AI-driven research, digital transformation, and healthcare innovation.
Siva Padmanabhan, Managing Director of AstraZeneca India, stated, “This new investment reflects our mission to improve patient lives by embedding cutting-edge technologies into every aspect of our work. Chennai continues to evolve as a vital innovation hub, and our growth here demonstrates the state’s boundless potential”.
Chief Minister Stalin hailed the developments as a testament to the Dravidian Model of inclusive growth, emphasizing that these investments represent not just economic figures but opportunities and futures for Tamil Nadu’s youth. The state’s proactive engagement with global investors continues to position it as a preferred destination for high-value industries, including EV manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and digital innovation.
