HAL plans helicopter unit in Bidar, seeks 500 acres

BANGALORE: The Defence Ministry has sought 500 acres of land in Karnataka's Bidar district for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to establish a helicopter manufacturing unit.

The State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, offered land in three taluks of the district though none is to the extent that was sought.

Briefing reporters, Law and Urban Development Minister S Suresh Kumar said 384 acres, 348 acres and 326 acres belonging to Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board in Bidar, Bhalki and Aurad taluks, respectively, were available.

"We are ready to provide these land to Defence Ministry", he added.