Kumaraswamy flags delay in land allocation for testing centres in Mandya

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy has urged Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to speed up the allocation of land for two proposed testing facilities in Mandya district, saying delays risk holding up projects that could strengthen Karnataka’s automotive and electric mobility ecosystem.

Kumaraswamy, who represents Mandya in the Lok Sabha, has written to the CM expressing concern over the delay in allotting land for a Construction and Infrastructure Equipment (CIE) Testing Centre and an Electric Vehicle (EV) Testing Centre proposed by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).

The minister said the facilities would support technological development, enhance testing and research capabilities and create industrial and employment opportunities in the region.


In his letter, Kumaraswamy described the delay as unacceptable, noting that nearly 10 months had passed despite repeated consultations, site visits, technical assessments and meetings involving the Mandya district administration, the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) and other departments.

He said the proposed centres would play a key role in strengthening India’s automotive and electric mobility ecosystem, supporting indigenous technology development and fostering growth in ancillary industries.

The facilities would also help build a stronger ecosystem in Karnataka for advanced testing, evaluation and manufacturing-related research, Kumaraswamy said.

“It is unfortunate that a project of such importance, which serves the public interest, continues to await the allocation of essential land despite nearly 10 months of meetings, discussions and correspondence with the state government,” he said.

Kumaraswamy noted that states such as Maharashtra, Haryana and Tamil Nadu have built strong automotive sectors backed by established testing and research infrastructure. Karnataka, he added, should not miss the opportunity to attract a premier institution of this nature.