Ather Energy plans to establish a Rs 20 billion electric scooter manufacturing plant at Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC) in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, central Maharashtra, as announced by the state government. The facility is expected to produce up to one million units of vehicles and battery packs annually and create approximately 4,000 jobs. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis shared in a post on X that he had a meeting with Swapnil Jain, the founder of Ather Energy. Jain informed him about their significant decision to choose Maharashtra for their third manufacturing facility in Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC). This development highlights Maharashtra's favourable business environment and strong electric vehicle manufacturing policies, which are in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for India's industrial growth, according to Fadnavis. He also noted that Maharashtra is becoming a preferred destination for investments in automotive innovation, and the Marathwada region is poised to drive the state's growth. The Samruddhi Expressway's effective connectivity is attracting more investors to the area, he added. The Shiv Sena-BJP-NCP government in Maharashtra has faced criticism from the Opposition for not attracting investment and allowing some major projects to go to Gujarat. The announcement comes as assembly elections are approaching in Maharashtra in October.