Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy Unveils Major Automotive Research Hub for Mandya
In a significant development for Karnataka's industrial landscape, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy announced on Sunday that a state-of-the-art Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) research centre will be established in the Mandya Lok Sabha constituency. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 500 crore, is poised to become a cornerstone for automotive innovation in the region.
Land Requirement and Government Coordination
Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Kumaraswamy detailed that the ambitious initiative will require 100 acres of land. He revealed that he has formally written to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, seeking an early allotment of the necessary plot. "I am confident the CM will provide the land at the earliest," Kumaraswamy stated, expressing optimism about swift governmental cooperation.
He emphasized that funds for this landmark project have already been earmarked in the Union Budget, ensuring financial readiness. The minister highlighted that the ARAI centre is designed to act as a powerful booster not only for the Mandya and Mysuru regions but for the entire automobile sector across Karnataka, fostering growth and technological advancement.
Significance of the ARAI Centre
Explaining the critical role of ARAI, Kumaraswamy described it as a premier autonomous research and development institution operating under his ministry. It plays a pivotal role in:
- Testing and certification for the Indian automotive industry
- Research in vehicle safety and emission control
- Setting technical standards that bridge government and industry needs
Headquartered in Pune, ARAI is renowned for its contributions to automotive excellence. Kumaraswamy articulated his vision for a world-class research centre of global standards in Mandya, noting that the additional chief secretary of the revenue department has already written to the Mandya District Collector on January 21 to identify suitable land. The first phase involves an investment of Rs 500 crore, with plans for additional investments in subsequent phases. "Once the state government allots land, we are ready to move forward with implementation," he asserted, though he mentioned that the CM is yet to respond formally.
Political Context and Budget Defense
Responding to criticism about his deliverables since winning from Mandya, Kumaraswamy positioned the ARAI centre as a direct answer. "I did not write to the CM for drama. I am working sincerely for the state's industrial development," he declared, countering allegations of inaction.
He took strong exception to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's remark that the Union Budget handed Karnataka an "empty pot" (chombu), arguing that such criticism aims to cover up the state government's own failures. Kumaraswamy pointed out that Karnataka's share under the 16th Finance Commission has increased from Rs 50,000 crore to Rs 63,000 crore, questioning, "Is this an empty pot?"
Broader Industrial Initiatives
Beyond the ARAI project, Kumaraswamy outlined other central efforts to bolster Karnataka's economy. He mentioned the Union government's commitment to reviving the Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant (VSIP) at Bhadravati with an investment of Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 crore for specialty steel production, which is vital for defence and aerospace sectors. Efforts are also underway to revive HMT, though he alleged hurdles from the state government.
Kumaraswamy accused the state government of not utilizing benefits from over 53 central schemes and of unfairly blaming the Centre for issues like the Bengaluru Metro fare hike. He urged the state to improve centre-state relations in the spirit of cooperative federalism and to cease blaming the Centre for every challenge, advocating for a more collaborative approach to governance and development.
