An ARAI Testing Centre is proposed to be established in Mandya district of Karnataka, with the project expected to support industrial development and expand automotive testing infrastructure in the region.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy made the announcement while addressing a public programme after performing the foundation-laying ceremony for a ₹14-crore indoor sports complex at VC Farm in Mandya.
Kumaraswamy said, the proposed ARAI Testing Centre in Mandya district of Karnataka is progressing steadily.
“Once the land allotment letter is formally received, a team of experts from the Automotive Research Association of India will visit Mandya to inspect the proposed site for the ARAI Testing Centre.”
The Union Minister said that efforts are being taken to bring more industries to the Mandya Lok Sabha constituency, and the ARAI Testing Centre is an important step in that direction.
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“I have given my word, and I will keep it,” Kumaraswamy said, noting that work related to the ARAI Testing Centre is moving quickly at the Delhi level. According to him, the required procedures are progressing and the project will move ahead once the land allotment process is completed.
The Union Minister also highlighted the long-standing demand for a well-equipped indoor sports complex in Mandya. “We have now fulfilled that commitment. The foundation stone has been laid, and construction will begin very soon. The work will also be completed at the earliest,” he said.
Kumaraswamy expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya for approving the indoor stadium under the Khelo India scheme after his request.
“Responding to my request, they sanctioned the stadium for Mandya district in Karnataka under the Khelo India initiative. I will always remember the concern they have shown towards the development of this region,” he said.
Alongside the proposed ARAI Testing Centre, the Union Minister also acknowledged the contributions made by several companies through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Organisations including TVS, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) under the Ministry of Steel, Infosys, Hinduja Group, and HMT supported development activities in the region.
Through CSR contributions, electric vehicles were distributed to more than 388 specially-abled persons with disabilities in Mandya. Additionally, desktops and laptops were provided to around 600 schools, and a fully equipped ambulance was presented to the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS).
“The corporate sector has shown commendable social responsibility through these initiatives,” Kumaraswamy said.
The Union Minister further noted that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is prioritising youth empowerment and development.
He said the Prime Minister regularly provides guidance during Cabinet meetings on initiatives aimed at improving opportunities for young people.
“These directions are being effectively implemented by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya,” Kumaraswamy added.
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ARAI Testing Centre to Create Employment Opportunities
Highlighting ongoing development initiatives in Mandya, he said that under CSR funding, 96 schools in the district have already received grants for renovation.
Kumaraswamy assured that the expectations of the people of Mandya would not be disappointed and that industrial development is being actively pursued.
He emphasised that the upcoming ARAI Testing Centre will play an important role in boosting employment in the region.
“The ARAI unit will be established here, and once it comes up, it will create employment opportunities not only for the youth of Mandya but also for those in neighbouring districts,” he said.
