Covid-19 Impact: Tata Motors shuts production in its Pune plant until April 30

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Due to the rise in Covid-19 cases, Tata Motors has stopped production at its Pune plant from April 15. The company has also reduced the workforce at the plant due to the pandemic. Tata Motors’ Pune plant manufactures SUVs such as Harrier, Safari and buses.

The company said that in order to comply with the restrictions imposed by the Maharashtra government amidst growing cases of coronavirus infection, it has been decided to close all manufacturing plants in Pune until April 30.

“Tata Motors is running operations at its Pune plant in strict compliance with the guidelines mentioned in the ‘Break the Chain’ order of the Maharashtra government. A limited number of employees are attending duties adhering to all safety protocols, distancing norms and hygiene standards,” Tata Motors said in a statement.

“We continue to remain vigilant about the safety and wellbeing of our employees. In addition to compulsory testing, screening at plant gates is robust and if an asymptomatic case is identified, we ensure that the employee is isolated and provided with all support for quarantine and contact people they had come in contact with. Our medical teams have also begun vaccination drives in our plants by collaborating with local health authorities, for our eligible employees of age 45 years and above,” the statement said.

Tata Motors is the first automobile company which has decided to close its plants, following an order issued by the Maharashtra government on April 13. The company has sought permission to continue bus services for commuting employees engaged in essential services.

The letter said that employees would be called in three shifts to ensure safety and supply of electricity, water, and air. Employees coming in all three shifts will see necessary services such as dispensary, DG set operation, fire fighting, water supply, 22 kV substation, safety check, and effluent treatment plants.  

Maharashtra has plants of more than a dozen auto companies, including Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Volkswagen, Bajaj Auto, Skoda Auto, Mercedes Benz, Jaguar Land Rover, Fiat Crissler, Piaggio Vehicles, and Force Motors. Apart from this, there are also six construction equipment-producing plants, which manufacture cranes, road levelers, and excavators. There’s also a tractor manufacturing unit and several auto parts plants, which manufacture tires, windshields, and steering machines.  

The new operation strategy would surely affect the production. Both the vehicles – Harrier and the newly launched Tata Safari are among high-demand four-wheelers from Tata in the Indian market. Both the vehicles are already heaving the waiting period of 5-7 weeks that is surely going to increase depending on the demand.