Pune (Maharashtra), Aug 25 : As part of 'Make In India' initiative, Tata Motors on Saturday rolled out the 1500th GS800 Safari Storme (SUV) vehicle specially designed for Indian Army, an official said.

Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre and Tata Motors Vice-President (Defence & Government Business) Vernon Noronha flagged off the vehicles as part of a total 3192-vehicle order to the Army.

The Safari Storme GS800 4X4 is indigenously designed to meet the requirements of the Indian Army with a contemporary, highly reliable and sturdier diesel SUV with robust features and a minimum payload capacity of 800 kg.

The vehicles has undergone a rigorous trial of 15 months in varied terrains across the country, demonstrating its supreme performance, with capability of coping with on-road and off-road terrains.

Offering 60 per cent higher payload, 70 higher power and 200 per cent higher torque, the vehicle has been customized to endure severely rugged conditions ranging from high altitudes drives, snow-bound regions, crossing deserts or marshy lands, said Noronha.

The Safari Storme incorporates other special features like recovery hooks, jerry can and fog lamps to cater to Army requirements during missions, bucket seats and mobile charging point.

The low maintenance vehicle has heating and air-conditioning, demisting, power windows and accommodate six persons comfortably in the cabin.

So far, the past 60 years of its services to the defence sector, Tata Motors has supplied over 150,000 vehicles to the military and security forces, Noronha added.



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Bhatkal: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U. T. Khader visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday and attended a local cricket match being played as part of a tournament organised by the Cosmos Sports Centre of Bhatkal.

After attending a programme at Anjuman Hami-E-Muslimeen, Khader proceeded to the Bhatkal Taluka Stadium, where the tournament is underway. He was accompanied by office-bearers of the Cosmos Sports Centre and several local community leaders.

Those present during the visit included President of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem and former JD(S) leader Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President of Tanzeem Atiqur Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ, President of Cosmos Sports Centre Ismail Anjum, Managing Director of Mohtisham Complexes S. M. Arshad, former president of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, among others.

Addressing players and organisers, Khader extended his best wishes to the participating teams and urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. He said such tournaments help promote unity and brotherhood among the youth.

The cricket tournament began on November 21 and will conclude with the final match on December 21. It is being organised as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cosmos Sports Centre.

Cosmos Sports Centre is one of the member clubs of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and is known for its active role in promoting sports in the town. Apart from sporting activities, the centre is also involved in various social and community initiatives, including efforts to promote education among students.