The Karnataka government has announced the availability of 100 acres of land in Mandya for the establishment of India’s first construction and infrastructure equipment testing facility, with an estimated cost of Rs 500 crore.

Minister for Large and Medium Industries, MB Patil, informed Union Minister for Industries and Steel, HD Kumaraswamy, in a written communication, seeking directions for the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) to submit a detailed project proposal. This follows a letter from Kumaraswamy in January requesting land for the facility. The Mandya Deputy Commissioner confirmed the availability of 105 acres in Muddanaghatta and Heggadithihalli villages of Basaralu hobli in Mandya taluk. The land is located just 500 mtrs. from the Mandya-Nagamangala State highway.

Minister Patil highlighted that the available land is more than what was originally sought and urged ARAI representatives and Union Ministry officials to visit the site for a joint inspection. “If found suitable, the land will be allotted for the facility,” he said.