‘Two additional electronics manufacturing clusters to come up at ₹1,112 cr. in T.N.’

Union Minister for Railways, Information Technology and Electronics, and Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday said two more electronics manufacturing clusters would be established in Tamil Nadu — at Pillaipakkam in Kancheepuram and Manalur in Tiruvallur — at a cost of ₹1,112 crore.

Delivering an address at the inauguration of Zetwerk Electronics’ 15-acre manufacturing plant in Sriperumbudur — its seventh facility — he said that electronics goods had become the second-largest export commodity in India, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and its execution by State governments.

“When Prime Minister Modi took over, electronics manufacturing was a small industry. Today, electronics goods have become the second-largest export item in the country, overtaking several conventional industries that had developed over decades. This was possible due to a clear thinking and focused execution. So, I thank all the State governments, including Tamil Nadu’s, for executing Modi ji’s vision,” he added.

The Minister further said that the Railway Budget for Tamil Nadu had been increased many times, and now stood at more than ₹6,000 crore.

“Whether it is a flyover, underpass, station or a railway line, our focus is on ensuring that work gets done…,” he pointed out.

Mr. Vaishnaw also underlined the importance of State governments working together with Centre. “Whether it is electronics, telecommunication, railways, or any other sector, we need to ensure that our people get what they need…[We] have to ensure that the benefits trickle down to all sections of society..,” he added.

Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Industries, Investment Promotions and Commerce T.R.B. Rajaa said the focus on education over the last 100 years had helped create the talent pool in the State. “Tamil Nadu adds another gem to its crown. Almost 36% of all electronics exports from India has been from Tamil Nadu — almost entirely from this zone [Sriperumbudur]. This is the hotbed of India’s exports, and talent in Tamil Nadu. This has been made possible in Tamil Nadu, thanks to the talent that we have built over 100 years here,” he added.

Mr. Rajaa further sought Mr. Vaishnaw’s help in bringing rapid transport to industrial hotspots emerging in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai and Thoothukudi. According to a release, the new factory of Zetwerk Electronics would manufacture control boards for washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners, and IT hardware, and was expected to provide employment for 1,200 workers.

Zetwerk Electronics CEO and co-founder Amrit Acharya and co-founder Rahul Sharma spoke.

Published – March 16, 2025 01:07 am IST