Kumaraswamy Urges Centre to Back Industrial Parks to Boost Karnataka Manufacturing

Union Steel and Heavy Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy has urged Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to facilitate the establishment of a network of Industrial Parks across Karnataka. Kumaraswamy said dedicated industrial zones would accelerate manufacturing expansion, attract domestic and foreign investment, and create significant employment opportunities across urban and rural districts.

The minister highlighted Karnataka’s existing strengths in sectors such as steel, heavy engineering, automotive components, electronics and textiles, arguing that modern industrial parks would provide the necessary infrastructure and plug gaps in supply chains. He emphasised that well-planned parks with reliable power, logistics links, and skill development centres can reduce production costs and improve competitiveness for both large manufacturers and MSMEs.

Kumaraswamy also stressed the inclusive potential of these parks, noting that development concentrated in tier-2 and tier-3 towns would decentralise growth and boost regional economies. He argued that public-private partnerships and targeted central assistance could speed up land acquisition, environmental clearances, and project execution, making parks operational within a shorter timeframe.

Industry stakeholders welcomed the appeal, saying industrial parks could catalyse clusters of ancillary units, spur exports, and foster technology adoption among small firms. They pointed to the need for integrated planning that aligns park locations with transport networks, ports, and power corridors to maximise economic spillovers and reduce logistical bottlenecks.

Beyond economic gains, Kumaraswamy underlined the social benefits of structured industrialisation, including better job quality, vocational training, and women’s participation in manufacturing. He urged the Union Commerce Ministry to consider incentives and policy support tailored to Karnataka’s regional strengths to ensure balanced industrial development.

The request marks a renewed push to position Karnataka as a manufacturing hub that complements its IT and services leadership. If central support materialises, the proposed industrial parks could become engines of sustained job creation, local entrepreneurship, and export-led growth, reinforcing the state’s contribution to India’s broader industrial ambitions. Kumaraswamy said he will follow up with detailed proposals and urged collaborative roadshows with industry bodies to attract anchor investors, stressing transparency and sustainability in park planning to secure long-term environmental and economic resilience. Businesses, communities and workers await the Centre’s considered response.