Karnataka, Andhra Tug-Of-War Over State-Owned Defence Manufacturer HAL
Bengaluru:
The Karnataka government has dismissed reports of any potential relocation of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) production units to Andhra Pradesh, following Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's pitch for expanding HAL operations into his state.
Mr Naidu has raised the proposal for establishing a new greenfield HAL facility in Andhra Pradesh during his recent engagements with the Union government, including meetings with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The proposal reportedly seeks to house future manufacturing capacity for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and other upcoming indigenous platforms.
The Andhra Pradesh chief minister's office has clarified that they have not pitched for shifting any existing facility. In his meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Andhra Pradesh chief minister offered 10,000 acres of land just 70 km from the Andhra-Karnataka border at Lepakshi, for any expansion plans of HAL.
"Defence units like these need setbacks as well, which is possible here in Andhra Pradesh and may be tough in Karnataka," a top source who was at the meeting with the Defence Minister told NDTV.
HAL, India's flagship aerospace and defence manufacturing company, currently operates major production facilities in Bengaluru and Tumakuru in Karnataka. These units are central to the production of fighter jets, helicopters, and trainer aircraft, including the LCA Tejas and the planned Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
The suggestion from Mr Naidu has sparked a sharp response from Karnataka's leadership, which insists that HAL's manufacturing base is integrally linked to the state's aerospace sector and cannot be shifted or duplicated easily.
Speaking on Tuesday, Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries MB Patil dismissed speculation about any move to shift HAL operations. "No Chief Minister has the authority to relocate HAL's existing facilities. Operations in Bengaluru will continue. What may have been suggested is the establishment of a new unit, which is a separate matter," Mr Patil said.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah echoed this stance. "I do not know, as far as my knowledge goes, it cannot be. It will not be shifted," he said.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that the Congress-led government would protect HAL and its associated infrastructure in the state at all costs.
"HAL was not given by any BJP government. It was set up in Bengaluru by Nehru due to the availability of technical manpower. I am not going to interfere in Chandrababu Naidu's political request to the Centre. We have also given sufficient land to HAL and provided land to set up a helicopter unit in Tumakuru. They are free to set up anything new in Andhra Pradesh; we are not going to object to it. But our government will do whatever it takes to protect our state's assets," he said.
He also questioned the silence of Karnataka's MPs on the issue. "What are our elected representatives in Delhi doing? Union Ministers from Karnataka have not spoken a word about this issue. I expect them to stand up for the state."
On the same day when Karnataka ministers issued their statements, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the execution model for the AMCA project. The project is currently based in Bengaluru and managed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with HAL.
Karnataka Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Sharan Prakash Patil, also spoke out. "HAL is the pride of our state. We will not allow its relocation to Andhra Pradesh. This institution was not founded by the BJP. The Congress government brought it here. If there is any attempt to move it, BJP MPs from Karnataka must act. Otherwise, they are betraying the state," he said.
HAL is already on track to scale up Tejas production to meet Indian Air Force requirements, including a recently approved Rs 6,500 crore order for 83 LCA Mk1A variants. Future orders, potentially including the Tejas Mk2 and AMCA, will require expanded infrastructure and trained personnel.
The Ministry of Defence has yet to comment officially on whether any such expansion proposal is under formal consideration.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
25 minutes ago
- Mint
PM Modi to flag off first train to Kashmir on Friday: Here's why it is India's historic rail milestone
The stage is all set for the first-ever train to Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will finally inaugurate the first Vande Bharat Express train to Kashmir on 6 June from Jammu after the completion of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project. This will be Prime Minister Modi's first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after 'Operation Sindoor' – India's precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan launched on 7 May in response to the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. Modi will flag off the train services from the Shri at Vaishno Devi (SMVD) railway station in Katra, Jammu to Baramulla in north Kashmir. Modi will also flag off another train from Baramulla to Katra on the occasion. Trains have been running between Banihal and Baramulla in the Kashmir valley, and between Jammu, Udhampur and Katra in Jammu region. But the 111-km Katra-Banihal section was the most difficult to construct owing to the challenging terrain. Modi will also inaugurate the highest railway arch bridge over river Chenab and India's first cable-stayed Anji Khad bridge on the occasion. He is also expected to address a rally on the occasion. Earlier, the inauguration of the much-awaited train was scheduled for 19 April, however, it was postponed dur to bad weather. Three days later Pahalgam terror attack happened in Kashmir. The development will end over 70 years of wait for a direct train service to Kashmir linking the valley to rest of India first time throough a rail link. At present, trains are operational just between Sangaldan and Baramulla in the Valley and from Katra to across the country. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail link (USBRL) Project was initially sanctioned in 1995 during the time of Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, at an estimated cost of ₹ 2,500 crore. While the ambitious project to connect Kashmir by train began in 1997, it was commissioned in bits and parts and faced multiple delays due to geographical challenges posed by the terrain. However, it gained momentum after then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee designated it as a national initiative in 2002. In 2009, Qazigund - Baramulla section in Kashmir was rendered operational, following which in 2013, the 18-km Banihal - Qazigund section, and in 2014 - the 24-km Udhampur - Katra section was started. In 2023, the section between Banihal and Sangaldan was started and now the connectivity between Sangaldan and Katra, which is believed to be the most difficult of all sections has been completed. The Banihal-Katra section contains 97 km of tunnels and 7 km of bridges. In December 2024, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister of Railways, said that the final track construction of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link was finished. "Historic milestone; final track work on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link is complete. The ballastless track work for the 3.2 km-long Tunnel T-33, located at the foothills of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and connecting Katra to Reasi, was successfully completed today at 02:00 hrs," he wrote on X The famous Chenab Bridge, the world's tallest railway bridge standing 359 meters above mean sea level, is also part of the track and will enhance the picturesque route connecting Jammu and Srinagar. At an estimated cost of over ₹ 43,000 crore, the USBR Lproject involved laying out ballast less tracks over bridges and tunnels, spanning deep gorges, with 90 per cent of the route traversed over 943 bridges, and 36 main tunnels, including India's longest railway tunnel, T-50 stretching more than 12.7 km. On the Katra - Banihal section, the train will also traverse another engineering marvel, the Anji Khad bridge, which is India's first cable-stayed bridge. Supported by 96 cables, the 725-meter-long bridge stands 331 meters above mean sea level. For now, only one Kashmir-specific Vande Bharat train will ply on the Katra and Srinagar route to Baramulla. More trains will start plying on the route based on the public response, officials said. Earlier a direct train from Delhi to Srinagar was expected. But due to security and weather reasons, the passengers would have to get down at the Katra railway station and board another train to continue the journey forward to Kashmir. In February, Vaishnaw said that passengers who want to travel from Delhi to Srinagar can book one ticket and change the train at Katra railway. All passengers boarding the train to Srinagar from Delhi or vice versa or from any other part of the country would have to undergo thorough frisking. Besides, their luggage would be screened at the time of boarding. The luggage would then undergo fresh scanning at departure lounges once the passengers get down at the Katra station. Before they board another train, they would again be subjected to frisking by the security personnel. The trains will ply on the Kashmir route only during the daytime. No trains would ply during evening hours in the Valley. The Kashmir version of Vande Bharat is equipped with climate-specific adaptations to provide advance heating systems in sub-zero temperatures, driver's front lookout glass embedded with heating elements for defrosting, and to ensure clear visibility during harsh winters. The region's connectivity with the rest of the country would be improved with the completion of the USBRL Project and the launch of direct Vande Bharat trains between Kashmir and Delhi via Jammu. In addition to addressing logistical issues, this will boost economic expansion and encourage travel. -The total cost of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail link project is about ₹ 43,000 crore. -The seamless all-weather connectivity links Kashmir Valley to the rest of India for the first time through a rail link. -The connectivity will boost the local economy and trade by offering easier transport if local goods like apples, saffron and handicrafts to major Indian markets. Until now, these products had to be transported through Jammu and Kashmir Highway which gets affected by harsh weather during winters. -The rail link will also improve access to popular destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Tourism in Kashmir Valley was severly affeceted after Pahalgam terror attack. Historic milestone; final track work on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link is complete. -Officials said that the project will also create employment opportunities in railway, tourism, and logistics sectors. -Above all, it simplifies travel to major cities for medical care and universities.
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train: Route Map With 12 Stations Released
Last Updated: Spanning 508 kilometers, this corridor will traverse Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, featuring 12 stations along the way. India's first high-speed rail project, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train, is making steady progress towards completion. Spanning 508 kilometers, this corridor will traverse Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, featuring 12 stations along the way. Trials for the train have already commenced in Japan, and it is anticipated to be operational in India by 2026. The Bullet Train will pass through these 12 stations: Mumbai (Bandra Kurla Complex): The corridor's starting point. Thane: Proposed near Dombivli East. Virar: Located in Palghar district. Boisar: This station will be in the Palghar district. Vapi: The first station in Gujarat. Bilimora: In Navsari district, promoting regional tourism. Surat: A major commercial hub in Gujarat. Bharuch: On the banks of the Narmada River, supporting industrial growth. Vadodara: Gujarat's cultural and educational center. Anand/Nadiad: Serving Kheda district's agriculture and dairy sectors. Ahmedabad: Known as Gujarat's economic capital, with the station near Kalupur. Union Minister Harsh Sanghavi recently provided an update, stating, 'India's first bullet train station in Surat is almost ready. Trial runs will begin next year, and full service is expected by 2029. First Published:
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Goyal highlights 'India Opportunity' at India-France Business Conference
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal addressed the India-France Business Conference on Tuesday (local time), highlighting the 'India Opportunity', driven by a skilled and talented workforce and the government's commitment to ease of doing business, and how it offers promising avenue for French companies. In a post on X, Goyal stated, "It was a pleasure to address the India-France Business Conference, which brought together several Indian and French companies. Highlighted the 'India Opportunity', driven by a skilled & talented workforce and the government's commitment to ease of doing business, and how it offers promising avenues for French companies. Encouraged companies from both sides to collaborate by building on shared interests and leveraging each other's competencies. Deeper engagement between our businesses will play a significant role in further strengthening the India-France strategic partnership." He also addressed the India-France CEO Forum Small Group Meeting in Paris, along with Laurent Saint-Martin, the French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad. Goyal highlighted the growing confidence of French companies in India's economic story and emphasised the mutual commitment to advancing economic and trade ties while building a smarter future together. In a post on X, Goyal stated, "Addressed the India-France CEO Forum Small Group Meeting today in Paris along with French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad @LaurentSMartin. During the interactive discussion, attended by Indian & French companies, we covered a wide range of aspects of India-France cooperation, including technology, AI, education, and startups. I further highlighted how French companies believe in the India story and how both sides are committed to advancing economic and trade relations and cultivating a smarter future together." Piyush Goyal held a meeting with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Paris and emphasised India's commitment to help strengthen a fair, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system. "Had a productive meeting with @NOIweala, Director General of @WTO, in Paris. Emphasised India's commitment to help strengthen a fair, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system," Goyal posted on X. In another bilateral meeting, Goyal met with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Commerce, Majid Al-Kassabi, to discuss ways to enhance bilateral trade, explore new investment opportunities, and deepen economic cooperation. Sharing details regarding his meeting with Saudi Arabia's counterpart on X, Goyal wrote, "Held a productive meeting with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Commerce H.E. @MAlKassabi. Discussed enhancing bilateral trade, exploring new investment opportunities, and strengthening our economic partnership." Piyush Goyal held a meeting with French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, Laurent Saint-Martin on Tuesday. During the meeting, the two leaders explored new avenues to enhance bilateral trade and investments and facilitate business-to-business engagement. After his meeting with Saint-Martin, Goyal on X wrote, "Good meeting with the French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, @LaurentSMartin. Explored new avenues to enhance bilateral trade and investments, and facilitate business-to-business engagement. We also reaffirmed our shared commitment to making technology a new cornerstone of the Indo-French economic partnership, especially in the context of the upcoming India-France Year of Innovation 2026." The discussions, which took place during Goyal's three-day official visit to France, also reviewed the progress of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, signalling a strong intent to bolster bilateral ties amidst a shared commitment to innovation and economic growth.
