Kolkata: Initial phases of construction work for the Tata Motors' ambitious Rs 1,000 crore small car project began today with a 'bhoomi puja' at Singur in Hoogly district, the West Bengal government said yesterday (Jan 21, 2007) .

"Work has started very well in the absence of any agitation the entire project site is bubbling with energy. Local people are very positive," West Bengal director, industries and in-charge of the project on behalf of the state government, M V Rao told sources.

Asked whether Tata Motors was handed over the land by the government, he said the company was permitted to start the construction work from today.

"The formal handing over of the land would, however, take place in one or two weeks," he said.

Today 100 local people, most of them who had lost their land, have been engaged in today's initial construction work in which the pile work of the main plant was being done, he said.

During peak time nearly 2500 people will be involved in the work, Rao said.

The construction work will include setting up of the factory, buildings and the necessary infrastructure required for the small car project at Singur, about 35 km from the city.

As per plan the small car is expected to hit the market in the second half of 2008.

Prohibitory orders clamped in the area over a month ago in view of the agitation against acquisition of multi-crop farmland against the project have been extended till January 28 midnight with an apprehension that some opposing groups might instigate trouble.