LUCKNOW, July 3 -- The entire work related to setting up of Ashok Leyland's electric vehicle (EV) plant, in Sarojini Nagar, near Scooters India crossing, is likely to be completed by October 2025, confirmed senior district administration officials on Wednesday. In a release shared with the media, the district officials informed that divisional commissioner Roshan Jacob conducted a surprise inspection of Ashok Leyland premises, located on Lucknow-Kanpur Road, with the aim to improve the infrastructure around the premises and ensure that the area is free from encroachments. During the inspection, the Ashok Leyland officials informed Jacob about the temporary encroachments along the boundary wall. She directed the Lucknow Nagar Nigam officials to immediately remove these encroachments. Ashok Leyland officials also highlighted the need for strengthening the drainage system along the highway side during the inspection at which she directed NHAI and PWD officials to inspect the site and rectify the drainage system promptly. She also instructed that placemaking and horticulture work should be carried out by UPSIDA. She was informed that all the necessary work will be completed by October. "In the first phase, 2,500 buses will be produced annually and, later, the plant will roll out 5,000 buses a year. The plant will be the most modern and state-of-the-art which would lead in technology in the world," the Hinduja group authorities had informed earlier while launching the project in February 2024. "The EV coming out of this plant will also be exported. However, in later stages, with increase in production, the company may contemplate establishing a dedicated research and development unit within the plant, for innovation and technological advancement in the realm of electric vehicles," Ashok Leyland officials informed. Highlighting the potential for employment generation, they said, "The plant will initially employ 500 individuals, with the workforce expected to grow in tandem with the plant's expansion.Beyond direct employment, the establishment of ancillary units for spare parts' production is projected to contribute to job creation. The ripple effect is anticipated to extend to indirect employment opportunities as well."Earlier, the state government has allocated the land of the defunct Scooters India in Sarojininagar to Hinduja Group for setting up an electric bus manufacturing plant, which is set to begin operations within the next year....