In a significant boost to defence manufacturing in Tamil Nadu, the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) has allocated land parcels to twenty private companies for establishing their units in the emerging defence industrial park at Varapatti, Coimbatore.
Major Land Allocation for Defence Sector
The allocation involves twenty companies receiving land under a 99-year lease agreement at Varapatti, where a dedicated defence industrial park is being developed. This strategic move forms part of TIDCO's broader initiative to accelerate defence industrial growth and development in the Coimbatore region.
V Vinayagam, senior vice-president at Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor (TNDIC), TIDCO, confirmed the developments to TOI on Friday, highlighting the project's significance in strengthening India's defence manufacturing capabilities.
Infrastructure Development and Startup Support
Beyond the land allocation to established companies, TIDCO is planning substantial infrastructure development on the site. The corporation intends to construct buildings spread across 10.5 acres of land at Varapatti, which will be offered to startup companies on rental basis.
This initiative aims to provide budding entrepreneurs in the defence sector with a conducive environment to grow and thrive, creating a comprehensive ecosystem that supports both established manufacturers and emerging innovators.
Strategic Location and Future Prospects
The foundation for this project was laid last year when the Coimbatore district administration acquired 364.20 acres of land at Varapatti and formally handed it over to TIDCO specifically for establishing the defence industrial park.
Vinayagam emphasized that all twenty companies receiving land allocations will establish manufacturing units focused exclusively on defence-related products. He also highlighted the growing importance of Sulur as a defence manufacturing hub in Tamil Nadu.
"Sulur is becoming a defence-related manufacturing hub in Tamil Nadu. We are also going to set up the aerospace and defence park near the Sulur Air Force Station. It will give a boost to the defence sectors," Vinayagam added, indicating broader plans for regional development in defence manufacturing.
The coordinated development of both the Varapatti defence industrial park and the proposed aerospace and defence park near Sulur Air Force Station positions the Coimbatore region as a critical node in India's defence production landscape, potentially creating numerous employment opportunities and boosting local economic growth.
