Karnataka plans 500-acre industrial hub with ARAI centre in Mandya

Bengaluru: Karnataka is planning to set up a large industrial hub in Mandya district along with a centre of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), industries minister MB Patil said on Monday.

The proposal is at a preliminary stage, with the Union government indicating interest in establishing an Automotive Research Association of India facility in the district, Patil said in a statement.

While about 100 acres had initially been identified for the ARAI centre, the state is now exploring the possibility of developing a broader industrial ecosystem over at least 500 acres by integrating the facility into a larger hub.


Patil said he discussed the proposal with Union minister for heavy industries H D Kumaraswamy, and officials have been directed to identify suitable government or private land in Mandya district. Kumaraswamy represents Mandya in the Lok Sabha.

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“If an ARAI centre is established on just 100 acres, it will remain a standalone facility. Instead, it would be more appropriate to develop an industrial hub by including it within a larger area to support the automobile ancillary sector,” the statement said.

Land parcels under consideration include 105 acres near Basaralu that had earlier been shown for the ARAI facility. In addition, around 425 acres acquired near Bellur along the Bengaluru–Mangaluru national highway is being examined as an alternative site, with compensation issues still pending.

Another suggestion discussed at the meeting was to locate the proposed hub near the Tubinakere industrial area, on the border of Pandavapura and Mandya taluks.

Patil said the development of an industrial hub could help attract investments, boost economic activity and generate employment in the region.

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Separately, real estate firm Andrew Louis Company Limited has sought 25-50 acres in Mandya district to set up a manufacturing unit for electrical equipment such as large fans and power converters. The state has assured that land will be allocated expeditiously, he added.