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Union Minister holds detailed talks with FKCCI leaders and industry heads; focus on research, manufacturing, jobs and skill development in electric vehicle sector
In a major push to strengthen Karnataka’s electric vehicle ecosystem, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H. D. Kumaraswamy held an important meeting with industry leaders and office-bearers of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI).
The meeting took place at the minister’s office in HMT Bhavan in the city, where detailed discussions were held on expanding the electric vehicle (EV) sector in the state and building the necessary support systems.
During the interaction, the minister highlighted the vast opportunities available for EV expansion in Karnataka. He informed the gathering that a decision has already been taken to establish a world-class Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) testing centre in Mandya district at a cost of ₹500 crore. He said he has personally written to the State government and the Chief Minister seeking cooperation for the project and expressed hope for a positive response.
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The minister further stated that ₹500 crore has already been allocated for this centrally owned training and testing facility in the previous Union Budget. If required, the Centre is prepared to invest an additional ₹500 crore to strengthen the project.
Industry representatives welcomed the announcement and congratulated the minister. They said such a centre is essential for Karnataka and would significantly strengthen the automobile sector, particularly giving a strong boost to the EV industry.
Kumaraswamy stressed that the state’s EV growth strategy will focus on research, manufacturing and employment generation. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, he said there is a firm commitment to reduce carbon emissions in the transport sector to near zero and build an environmentally friendly mobility system.
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He also pointed out that several companies are being founded in Karnataka but are choosing to manufacture in other states. The proposed ARAI centre, he said, will help reverse this trend by creating strong testing and research infrastructure within the state. This, in turn, will open new opportunities in research and production.
Highlighting the Prime Minister’s focus on local employment, he said initiatives under Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India are being actively promoted. Establishing the ARAI centre in Karnataka would create thousands of direct jobs and a large number of indirect employment opportunities, paving the way for a strong auto ecosystem. He requested full cooperation from the State government for the project.
The minister also said the Centre is encouraging skill development in the EV sector in Karnataka. By creating a modern and comprehensive EV support system, the state can unlock major economic, employment and manufacturing opportunities.
FKCCI President Uma Reddy, Senior Vice President T. Sairam Prasad, Vice President B.P. Shashidhar, Green Energy Committee Chairman Ramesh Shivanna, former presidents S. Sampath Raman, R. Shivakumar, K. Shivashanmugam and L. Lakshman, along with several industry representatives, were present at the meeting.
