DHARWAD: If everything goes according per plan, Belur industrial area of Dharwad will get to produce Light Infantry Combat vehicles for military purposes.
Tata Motors from Dharwad has applied for creation and production of the defence vehicle unit at its plant in Dharwad under the ‘Make in India’ drive, wherein in addition to light combat vehicles, military jackets, rifles and other items would be produced.
MLA Aravind Bellad told Express that the project necessitates creation of huge infrastructure if selected and the investment will run to Rs 60,000 crore over a few years.
“Since the Central government has decided to produce vehicles related to defence in India, such ‘Indianised’ production units will be the future of the country. As the company had applied for it, it needs to show a proposed location. We along with authorities of Tata Motors Ltd have stressed on setting up the unit in Dharwad only,” he said.
He accompanied authorities of Tata Motors Ltd, and held talks with Defence Ministry officials and the Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar. The discussion had given a positive result. With establishment of the production unit, employment for thousands of people could be generated. If the plant is successful, it will be given orders to produce military tanks in later years. The tender for opening up of such military vehicle production unit will be opened on January 16,” he said.