Bengaluru, Oct 22 Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday wrote to Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, expressing concern over the nearly 10-month delay in allocating land for two proposed automotive testing facilities in Mandya district and urging him to intervene to expedite the projects.
The proposed facilities—an Electric Vehicle (EV) Testing Centre and a Construction and Infrastructure Equipment (CIE) Testing Centre—are being planned by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), an automotive research and development institution under the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries.
In his letter, the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Mandya MP said the centres could strengthen Karnataka’s automotive and electric mobility ecosystem, promote indigenous technology development and generate employment opportunities in the region.
He also released correspondence, meeting records and other official documents relating to the proposals, contending that the records show the prolonged delay in land allocation despite repeated consultations between state and central authorities.
The letter was submitted to the chief minister’s office by his representatives at Vidhana Soudha. Kumaraswamy’s representatives handed it over to Additional Chief Secretary Tushar Girinath, following which the Union Minister also spoke to the official about the matter, his office said in a release.
According to the letter, ARAI and state authorities held several meetings and conducted site inspections since March this year to identify suitable land for the proposed facilities.
An ARAI team visited locations at Basaralu, the Mandya Sugar Factory and the K R Pet industrial area on March 16, followed by discussions with the Mandya Deputy Commissioner on land availability.
A meeting was held at Vikas Soudha with the Principal Secretary of the Department of Commerce and Industries. ARAI submitted details of the projects’ technical requirements to the district administration on March 20, the letter said.
Kumaraswamy also referred to his meeting with Karnataka Industries Minister M B Patil on April 13 to discuss the scope of the projects and their land requirements.
On May 6, the district administration shared details of sites at Basaralu and Heggedahalli for technical evaluation. An ARAI team subsequently inspected the identified locations, including a site at Yelechakanahalli village, on May 18.
A review meeting held at Vikas Soudha on September 16 examined the suitability of Basaralu and Yelechakanahalli, with representatives of ARAI, the Mandya district administration and the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) participating, the letter said.
As outlined in Kumaraswamy’s letter, around 100 acres at Basaralu was considered potentially suitable for the CIE Testing Centre, subject to improvements in road connectivity. Another 60 acres required for the EV Testing Centre.
Yelechakanahalli was considered as an alternative location where both facilities can be established together, with space for a long testing track and an adjoining industrial hub. However, the site posed challenges of private land acquisition and improved connectivity required to the Mysuru-Bengaluru Highway, including a railway overbridge.
Following the review, ARAI wrote to the principal secretary and the Mandya deputy commissioner on September 17, seeking land allocation at Yelechakanahalli and Basaralu.
After the meeting minutes became available on September 25, ARAI submitted a revised proposal to the district administration on September 28, seeking around 100 acres at Basaralu for the CIE facility and an additional 60 acres for the EV centre, preferably adjoining the first parcel.
Kumaraswamy described the revised proposal as a practical option.
“It is unfortunate that a project of such importance, serving public interest, has to await the allocation of essential land despite nearly 10 months of meetings, discussions and correspondence with the state government,” Kumaraswamy stated in his letter.
He highlighted ARAI’s contribution to the country’s automotive sector, noting that the institution, established in 1966, has developed expertise in vehicle evaluation, emissions testing, automotive safety, engine development, structural dynamics, vehicle electronics and certification.
He also referred to established automotive testing institutions such as ARAI in Pune, the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) in Manesar, the Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC) in Chennai and the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX).
States such as Maharashtra, Haryana and Tamil Nadu have developed strong automotive industries supported by testing and research infrastructure, Kumaraswamy noted, arguing that Karnataka should seize the opportunity to attract a major testing institution.
“Centres of this calibre are essential for Karnataka. Bringing such a reputed institution to Karnataka should be a shared priority that rises above political considerations,” he wrote.
Kumaraswamy also cited paragraph 350 of Karnataka’s 2026-27 Budget speech announcing that land will be provided in Mandya for a CIE Testing Centre.
He further referred to the CM’s assurance on land for industrial investments that thousands of acres could be provided for industrial development and employment generation.
While welcoming such commitments, Kumaraswamy expressed concern that the ARAI proposals remained stalled.
(PTI News)
