Karnataka aerospace park: Arvind Bellad seeks relocation to Hubballi after govt decision to drop land acquisition near airport

Karnataka Deputy leader of the Opposition in the assembly Arvind Bellad (BJP) on Thursday urged chief minister Siddaramaiah to relocate the aerospace park from Devanahalli taluk to North Karnataka now that the government has dropped its plans to acquire land for the project near the international airport in Bengaluru.

Bellad, who represents Hubballi-Dharwad West in the assembly, in a letter to the CM said the government must now consider shifting the aerospace project to Hubballi, Dharwad, Belagavi, or in any parts of North Karnataka. “The region offers several advantages including a large and skilled human resource base, the availability of land, and existing infrastructure support. Most importantly, North Karnataka has long remained under-industrialised and economically underserved. Locating the aerospace project in Hubballi would not only ensure the continuation of this strategically significant investment but also bring much-needed industrial growth and employment to the region.”

The BJP leader’s request followed the CM’s announcement after a meeting with protestors on Tuesday to drop the acquisition process for the park in Channarayapatna and surrounding villages of Devanahalli Taluk and accept plots only from those farmers who are willing to give them. “The decision, taken considering strong opposition from local farmers, is understandable and reflects the government’s sensitivity to the concerns of its citizens. At the same time, it is important to consider the long-term economic and strategic value of such a significant industrial initiative,” Bellad’s letter said.


Karnataka, he said, has emerged as a national leader in the aerospace and defence manufacturing sector, contributing 65% of the country’s total output in this domain. The state has also earned global recognition, ranking third internationally in aerospace production. A project of this scale and importance should not be shelved but rather relocated to a region that is more receptive and suitable for such development, the BJP leader said. “Such a move would serve the dual purpose of preserving the state’s leadership in the aerospace sector while promoting balanced regional development. “

On Wednesday, Karnataka industries minister MB Patil said his state has enough land to offer to investors after had hit back at Andhra Pradesh Electronics & IT Minister Nara Lokesh wooed investors to his state on learning about the government’s decision to drop land acquisition for an aerospace park near Bengaluru.

Lokesh, in a post on X, said he was sorry to hear about the land issues while urging aerospace investors to look at Andhra Pradesh. “We have an attractive aerospace policy for you, with best-in-class incentives and over 8000 acres of ready-to-use land (just outside Bengaluru)! Hope to see you soon to talk across the table.”