HDK hopeful of laying foundation stone for ARAI Test Centre in May 2026

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Friday expressed confidence in laying the foundation stone for the proposed testing centre of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) in Mandya district in the month of May 2026.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting development works related to a Government Higher Primary School in T.S. Chatra village, Pandavapura, Mandya, Mr. Kumaraswamy said the Deputy Commissioner’s report concerning the land to be provided by the State government, which is pending, is expected to be submitted in about a week’s time. He said the government should also clarify how soon the land will be developed and handed over for the project. 

Pointing out that the ARAI Testing Centre was the first such testing centre in Karnataka, he said that its establishment in Mandya will not only benefit the district but also boost development in the surrounding regions, while strengthening the automobile sector across the State.

Mandya, he said, will emerge as an important region with the ARAI Testing Centre.

Mr. Kumaraswamy, however, said the project will have to be implemented with the support of the State and added that the cooperation from the State government and the local representatives was essential.

Testing centres like the ARAI’s were present only in a few locations in the country, including Pune, Chennai, and Manesar, Mr. Kumaraswamy said, while adding that many States were competing to attract such facilities. Hence, the project was crucial for the development of Mandya and Karnataka, and will also help the State become a leader in the automobile sector.

During his visit to Pandavapura, Mr. Kumaraswamy inspected the ongoing developmental works at the Government Higher Primary School in T.S. Chatra village, which he has adopted, and laid the foundation stone for two classrooms for the Government Higher Primary School at Jakkanahalli village in Pandavapura taluk, under a CSR initiative.

He said the developmental works at the school in the T.S. Chatra village were progressing well under the supervision of former Minister C.S. Puttaraju. Mr. Kumaraswamy noted that the school has produced eminent personalities in India’s judiciary, like the former Chief Justice of India, Justice E.S. Venkataramiah, current Supreme Court judge, Justice Nagarathna, and High Court judge, Justice Indresh.

He said the school building will be constructed in the style of the High Court. “As the Member of Parliament for Mandya, I have decided to adopt this school and transform it into a model institution with excellent facilities,” he said.

Regarding the work at the government school in Jakkanahalli, Mr. Kumaraswamy said two classrooms will be built in the school at a cost of ₹32.5 lakh under a CSR initiative by the leading steel company Arcelor Mittal.