100 acres allotted for ARAI facility in Mandya: CM

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
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The State government has allocated 100 acres of land in Mandya district for establishing an advanced facility of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).

Announcing the proposal while presenting the State Budget on Friday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the advanced construction and infrastructure testing facility will be set up in association with ARAI at a cost of ₹500 crore.

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H. D. Kumaraswamy had earlier written to the Chief Minister seeking early allocation of land for the project. He had stated that the proposed ARAI centre would not only benefit the Mandya–Mysuru region but also strengthen the automobile sector across the State.

ARAI is an independent R and D facility functioning under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, located in Pune. Testing, certification, and research in the Indian automotive sector are largely handled by ARAI.

The announcement also comes amid political exchanges in Mandya. Elected representatives belonging to the ruling party had questioned Mr. Kumaraswamy’s contribution to the district as the Member of Parliament representing Mandya Lok Sabha constituency.

Responding to the criticism, Mr. Kumaraswamy had said he would bring industries and major facilities to Mandya if the State government allocated land. During his recent visit to Mandya, he said the proposed ARAI centre was his answer to the criticism from some legislators in the district.