India, Aug. 17 -- A 2.5-km-long queue of customers formed in Bengaluru on Saturday to purchase special-edition watches released by Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) to mark the 80th Independence Day.

The overwhelming response to the iconic HMT watches, which have a special place in the hearts of Indians, particularly Kannadigas, has enthused the company. Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy, who is working to revive the HMT factory, said he was surprised by the strong public demand for the watches.

"The sight of people standing in a queue for nearly two kilometres to buy HMT watches shows how deeply the popularity and legacy of the HMT brand remain rooted in the hearts of people," Mr Kumaraswamy said.

HMT Chairman...