Bengaluru, 13 April

The Union government has shown interest in establishing a 500-acre ARAI centre in Mandya district, Karnataka Minister MB Patil said on Monday.

Instead of the initially proposed 100 acres for the Automotive Research Association of India centre, the State’s Large and Medium Industries Minister discussed with Union Minister for Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy the possibility of developing a larger ecosystem by setting up an industrial park alongside the facility.

“If the ARAI centre is established on just 100 acres, it will remain a standalone facility. Instead, it would be more appropriate to develop a comprehensive industrial hub of at least 500 acres, incorporating the proposed ARAI centre and supporting the growth of the automobile sector. Union Minister Kumaraswamy has also agreed to this proposal,” Patil said.

Both Ministers had held detailed discussions with officials at Vidhana Soudha. Accordingly, instructions have been issued to the Special Deputy Commissioner to identify suitable government or private land, Patil said.

An ARAI Centre conducts vehicle testing and certification, a release from Patil’s office said.

“We had identified 105 acres near Basaralu, and this has largely been agreed upon. However, with the proposal to develop an industrial hub now under consideration, alternative land options have been suggested,” he said.

“About 425 acres of land near Belluru, adjacent to the Bengaluru-Mangaluru National Highway, was acquired in 2021 for industrial purposes, with compensation yet to be fully disbursed. The Union government has been requested to consider this site as well,” he added.

Additionally, some participants in the meeting suggested that an industrial hub could also be developed in the Pandavapura area adjoining the Thubinakere industrial area, as well as along the borders of Mandya taluk, the statement said. Another round of discussions will be held after receiving a detailed report from officials, it said.

In addition, Patil stated that about 25–50 acres of land is required for Andrew Yule Company Limited (AYCL) to set up its manufacturing unit in Mandya district. The company manufactures electrical equipment, large industrial fans, and transformers for industries.