Work Underway To Establish ARAI Testing Centre In Karnataka’s Mandya: Union Minister Kumaraswamy

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy has said that efforts to bring industries to the Mandya Lok Sabha constituency in Karnataka are progressing steadily, and that the process to establish an Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) testing centre in the district is currently underway.

He stated that once the land allotment letter is formally received, a team of experts from the Centre will visit Mandya to conduct an inspection of the proposed site, the Heavy Industries Ministry said in a release on Sunday (15 March).

The Union Minister was speaking at a public programme after performing the foundation-laying ceremony for a Rs 14-crore indoor sports complex at VC Farm in Mandya.

"I have given my word, and I will keep it," Kumaraswamy said, adding that work related to the ARAI testing centre is moving quickly at the Delhi level, and the necessary steps are being taken to bring the project to Mandya.

ARAI, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, is India’s leading authority for vehicle testing, certification and research.

Headquartered in Pune, the organisation plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with safety, emission and technical standards while bridging the gap between policymakers and the auto industry.

Kumaraswamy had announced the global-standard facility earlier this year, with the Karnataka government subsequently identifying suitable land for the project.

The state government has confirmed the availability of 105 acres of government land in Basaralu Hobli's villages of Muddanaghatta and Heggadithihalli, exceeding the Centre's requirement of 100 acres.

The site is strategically located just 500 metres from the Mandya–Nagamangala State Highway, offering strong logistical connectivity.

Karnataka's Large and Medium Industries Minister M B Patil has urged ARAI representatives and Union Ministry officials to conduct an early joint site inspection.

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