The Central Government will send a team of experts to Mandya to inspect the proposed site for the upcoming Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) facility, Karnataka Minister HD Kumaraswamy announced on Wednesday.
The inspection is part of the preliminary preparations for setting up the state-of-the-art research and testing center, which aims to strengthen automotive R&D capabilities in southern India. According to the minister, the facility will focus on advanced vehicle testing, emission compliance, and supporting the growing electric vehicle and sustainable mobility ecosystem in Karnataka.
Speaking to the media, HD Kumaraswamy said, “The expert team from the Centre will visit Mandya shortly to assess the site conditions and finalize plans for the ARAI facility. This initiative will boost local automotive research, generate employment, and promote innovation in vehicle safety and green mobility technologies.”
The proposed Mandya ARAI center is expected to complement existing research and testing infrastructure, providing testing services for both conventional and electric vehicles, including safety assessments, certification, and emissions testing. The facility will also support industrial collaborations with automotive manufacturers and startups, encouraging innovation in vehicle technology and sustainable transport solutions.
Officials indicated that once the site inspection is completed, the Centre will provide approvals and recommendations for infrastructure development, paving the way for construction to begin. The Karnataka government has committed to supporting the project with land and administrative facilitation.
The new ARAI facility in Mandya is expected to play a pivotal role in positioning Karnataka as a hub for automotive research and development, especially in areas like electric mobility, safety technologies, and emission control.
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