Karnataka Allots 105 Acres for India’s First Construction Equipment Testing Facility

Karnataka has taken a significant step toward strengthening India’s construction and infrastructure ecosystem by offering 105 acres of land to the Central Government for setting up the country’s first dedicated construction and infrastructure equipment testing facility. The proposed project, estimated at Rs 500 crore, is expected to come up near Mandya district and will be developed by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).

The state government has identified land at Basaralu, around 30 kilometres from Mandya town. While the Centre had sought 100 acres for the project, Karnataka has expressed readiness to allocate 105 acres to ensure adequate space for future expansion and related infrastructure. The proposed site is located about 500 metres from the Mandya Nagamangala state highway, offering strong road connectivity and logistical advantages.

A joint inspection by a central team and representatives from the Automotive Research Association of India is expected to be conducted shortly to finalise the site. Once approved, the facility will serve as a national hub for testing, certification and performance validation of construction and heavy infrastructure equipment.

The establishment of such a specialised testing centre is expected to enhance product quality, promote safety standards and reduce dependence on overseas testing facilities. It will also support domestic manufacturers by enabling faster approvals and encouraging innovation in construction machinery.

Industry experts believe the project aligns with the broader push to strengthen India’s manufacturing base and improve competitiveness in global markets. By creating advanced testing infrastructure within the country, the initiative is likely to benefit equipment manufacturers, contractors and infrastructure developers across multiple sectors.

With land allocation moving forward, the project marks an important milestone for Karnataka and reinforces its position as a key destination for industrial and infrastructure investments.