In Mandya district, an industrial hub likely along with A.R.A.I Centre: Minister

Bengaluru: The Union Government has shown interest in establishing an A.R.A.I. (Automotive Research Association of India) centre in Mandya district.

However, instead of the initially proposed 100 acres for the A.R.A.I centre, Large and Medium Industries Minister M. B. Patil and Union Minister for Heavy Industries H. D. Kumaraswamy recently discussed the possibility of developing a complementary industrial park spread over at least 500 acres.

They also directed officials to identify suitable land for the project.

Both the Ministers held detailed discussions with officials at the Committee Room in Vidhana Soudha recently.

“If the A.R.A.I 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 over at least 500 acres, incorporating the proposed A.R.A.I centre and supporting the growth of the automobile sector. Union Minister Kumaraswamy has also agreed to this proposal. Accordingly, instructions have been given to the Special Deputy Commissioner to identify suitable government or private land in Mandya district,” Minister Patil said.

Kumaraswamy had earlier sought 100 acres in Mandya district for setting up the A.R.A.I centre, which conducts vehicle testing and certification.

“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. About 425 acres 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 said.

Additionally, some participants in the meeting suggested that an industrial hub also be developed in the Pandavapura area adjoining the Thubinakere industrial area, as well as along the borders of Mandya taluk.

It was decided to convene another round of discussions after receiving a detailed report from officials.

Patil noted that the establishment of an industrial hub would attract investment, boost economic activity, and generate employment opportunities.

AYCL Unit

He further stated that about 25–50 acres was 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. He assured that the required land would be provided at the earliest.

Patil reiterated that the State was keen to attract more industries and that it has a conducive policy framework and ecosystem to support such growth.

The new industrial policy also places strong emphasis on these aspects.

The meeting was attended by Mandya MLA Ravi Ganiga, JD(S) leader H. D. Revanna, former Ministers C. S. Puttaraju and D. C. Thammanna, Principal Secretary, Industries, S. Selvakumar, Revenue Commissioner Meena Nagaraj, KIADB CEO Dr Mahesh, A.R.A.I Director Dr Reji Mathai, and Senior Deputy Director Dr Shyamasundar, among others.