Karnataka to Host India’s First Construction Equipment Testing Facility

State Allocates Land for Landmark Project
Karnataka has offered 105 acres in Mandya district for India’s first dedicated construction and infrastructure equipment testing facility. The ₹500-crore initiative will be set up by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) at Basaralu, near the Mandya–Nagamangala state highway, providing easy access for large-scale operations.

Government Support and Site Selection
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, recently highlighted the importance of the project and requested land from the state government. Karnataka Industries Minister M.B. Patil confirmed that a suitable site has been identified at Basaralu, around 30 km from Mandya, and the state has agreed to allocate 105 acres, slightly exceeding the Centre’s request of 100 acres.

Joint Inspection Planned
A central government team along with ARAI representatives will conduct a joint inspection of the proposed site. The Deputy Commissioner of Mandya district noted that government land is available across Muddanaghatta and Heggadathihalli villages within Basaralu Hobli, ensuring ample space for construction and testing operations.

Project Goals and Industrial Significance
The facility is designed to provide advanced research, certification, and quality assurance for construction machinery and infrastructure equipment. It will support the growth of India’s construction and manufacturing sector, enabling rigorous testing of machinery to meet global standards. The initiative is expected to become a cornerstone of industrial development in Mandya and strengthen India’s position in construction equipment manufacturing.

Ministerial Remarks
Kumaraswamy emphasized that the project would serve as a world-class facility, addressing the needs of the construction sector and enhancing Mandya district’s industrial profile. The facility is also seen as a response to critics questioning the government’s contributions to regional development, underlining Karnataka’s proactive support for industrial initiatives.

Strategic Location Advantage
The Basaralu site, located near the Mandya–Nagamangala highway, ensures smooth transportation and operational efficiency for heavy machinery testing. The facility is expected to attract investments, create employment opportunities, and contribute to technological advancements in construction equipment research and development.

A Step Forward for India’s Manufacturing Ecosystem
With the Karnataka government backing the project and ARAI leading the initiative, the facility is set to become a benchmark in construction equipment testing and certification. This development represents a significant stride in India’s industrial growth and Mandya’s emergence as a key hub for infrastructure innovation.