Siddaramiah referred to the Centre’s 2018 decision to set up similar corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and asked for comparable support for Karnataka, citing the state’s strong defence and aerospace manufacturing base.
Published Jul 09, 2025 | 5:38 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 09, 2025 | 5:38 PM
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
Synopsis: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has urged the Centre to approve two defence industrial corridors in North and South Karnataka, citing the state’s established aerospace and defence ecosystem and its significant role in national manufacturing. In separate letters dated 9 July to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, he also requested the transfer of defence land in Bengaluru for key infrastructure projects and sought Indian Air Force participation in the upcoming Mysuru Dasara celebrations.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has made a series of requests to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, urging the Centre to support the establishment of two defence industrial corridors in the state, the transfer of defence land in Bengaluru for key infrastructure projects, and Indian Air Force participation in the upcoming Mysuru Dasara celebrations.
In his first letter dated Wednesday, 9 July, Siddaramiah referred to the Centre’s 2018 decision to set up similar corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and asked for comparable support for Karnataka, citing the state’s strong defence and aerospace manufacturing base.
“In 2018, the Government of India announced Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to strengthen indigenous production and reduce imports. We request similar support for establishing two Defence Industrial Corridors, one each in North Karnataka and South Karnataka regions,” he wrote.
Siddaramaiah noted that Karnataka contributes 67 percent of the country’s aircraft and helicopter manufacturing for defence services, and is home to 25 percent of India’s aircraft and spacecraft industry.
“The proposed corridors will leverage this existing ecosystem and infrastructure, further cementing Karnataka’s reputation as the Defence Capital of India,” he said.
He added that the corridors would give a push to the Make in India initiative by promoting domestic manufacturing, strengthening links between industry and academia, and creating skilled jobs.
The Chief Minister also outlined the industrial capabilities of both regions. North Karnataka – including Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Vijayapura – already hosts several established defence firms, such as Balu Forge, Aequs, Bikar Aerospace, and Walchandnagar Industries.
Belagavi is also home to the country’s first Precision Manufacturing Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a 250-acre facility with 31 operational units and over 5,000 employees.
“The aerospace SEZ has the largest machining capacity in the country, delivering more than 1 million machining hours annually,” he noted.
On South Karnataka, the Chief Minister pointed to the region’s “rich history” in aerospace and defence manufacturing.
“With HAL headquartered here, TASL establishing final assembly line for C130, and Air India and Indigo ramping up MRO operations, South Karnataka is poised to be the epicentre for Aerospace and Defence manufacturing for India,” he wrote.
He also highlighted the Hi-tech Aerospace and Defence Park in Devanahalli, spread over nearly 2,000 acres and home to firms such as Collins Aerospace, Dynamatic Technologies, Centum, Sasmos, and Bellatrix.
The chief minister has urged the Defence Ministry to facilitate the transfer of defence land in Bengaluru for several infrastructure projects aimed at easing traffic congestion in the city.
In a separate letter dated 9 July, the Chief Minister acknowledged the Ministry’s earlier approval for land related to the Rotary Flyover Project and the road connecting Lower Agaram Road to Sarjapur Road via Ejipura Junction. However, he said that additional land was still required for the latter.
The letter identified three major proposals pending clearance, all involving defence land.
The first is the Bengaluru Urban Vehicular Twin Tunnel Project, a proposed underground corridor intended to decongest traffic between Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) and the city’s southern areas. The twin tunnel will connect Hebbal (Esteem Mall Junction) on Bellary Road to Central Silk Board, offering a high-speed alternative for airport-bound and intercity traffic.
“A vital ramp near Hebbal necessitates 2.039 acres of Defence land, previously part of the Hebbal Defence Dairy Farm,” the Chief Minister wrote.
“The initial application (e-App No. 81020240954, dated 18.11.2024) requested 2.571 acres, which was revised following a joint inspection with Local Military Authorities. A reduced and refined proposal (e-App No. 25220251025, dated 25.03.2025) now seeks 2.039 acres.”
The second request concerns a link road connecting Bellary Road to Sarovara Layout, located behind the former Hebbal Defence Dairy Farm. The project is part of the Revised Master Plan 2015 and is aimed at improving local connectivity and easing congestion.
“Construction of Link Road from Airport Road (Bellary Road) to Sarovara Layout is essential for providing direct access to Sarovara Layout,” Siddaramaiah wrote.
“The BBMP has completed the necessary surveys and submitted e-App No. 288020240926 via the Defence Portal, seeking the transfer of 6.837 acres of Defence land. The proposed alignment has been carefully designed to ensure no disruption to Defence operations.”
The third proposal involves Phase-3 of the Namma Metro project, specifically the construction of a double-decker structure combining a metro viaduct and a flyover at Goraguntepalya – a location that regularly sees heavy traffic congestion.
The alignment for Corridor-1 of Phase-3 (from JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura) passes through land under the jurisdiction of ALISDA/DGAQA and the Indian Air Force.
“The proposed corridor… is passing through defence land near Goraguntepalya and an extent of 0.34 acres of ALISDA/DGAQA land and 7.02 acres of Air Force land is required,” the Chief Minister wrote.
“The construction… will give huge benefit to public, which solves the long pending traffic issue at Goraguntepalya junction.”
The initial applications were submitted by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on 19 February 2025 – e-App No. 19120250997 for ALISDA/DGAQA land and e-App No. 19120250996 for Air Force land. These were later revised following joint inspections with defence officials.
The final request now seeks 0.34 acres of ALISDA/DGAQA land and 7.02 acres of Air Force land.
Siddaramaiah has also requested the Indian Air Force to take part in the upcoming Mysuru Dasara celebrations through aerial displays by its aerobatic teams.
In his third letter to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, also dated 9 July, Siddaramaiah said the state government plans to organise an air show to “add grandeur and public engagement to the celebrations,” and referred to the strong public response to previous IAF displays during the festival.
“Like every year, programmes are being planned to showcase the rich cultural heritage and tradition of Karnataka. In this context, the State Government intends to organize an Air Show as part of the Dasara celebrations in Mysuru,” he wrote.
“It may be recalled that during previous Dasara celebrations in 2017, 2019, and 2023, the Indian Air Force had conducted air shows in Mysuru, which drew an overwhelming response from the public and tourists alike. These shows not only captivated the audiences but also instilled a sense of pride and admiration among the people about the advanced capabilities and technological excellence of the Indian Armed Forces.”
He formally requested the Defence Ministry to facilitate IAF participation through performances by its well-known aerobatic teams.
“I request the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, to kindly consider the participation of the Indian Air Force in the form of an aerial display by Surya Kiran, Sarang and other aerobatic teams during the upcoming Mysuru Dasara 2025 celebrations,” Siddaramaiah wrote.
“Your kind support in this regard will greatly enhance the spirit of the festival and strengthen public appreciation for the Indian Armed Forces.”
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
