Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy.
Credit: DH Photo/S K Dinesh
Mandya: Efforts are on to revive Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) and Sir M Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant (VISL) in Bhadravathi, said Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday.
Several rounds of discussions had been held and a detailed project report (DPR) was being prepared to revive HMT factory, he said.
He told reporters here that NITI Aayog member V K Saraswat had submitted a report on the revival of HMT.
High-level meetings had been held with the managing director of HMT, senior officials of the ministry and Saraswat, Kumaraswamy said.
Officials were sent to Japan to explore the possibilities of technical collaboration, the minister said.
“The people of Mandya have sought industries in the district. I have sought cooperation from the state government and also held discussions with several industrialists in Delhi, to set up industries in Mandya. I am making all efforts to boost industrial growth in Karnataka. The state government should have a good relationship with the Centre to fully benefit from its initiatives. Bringing politics in every matter is unnecessary,” the minister said.
Earlier, he inaugurated a modern autorickshaw stand constructed at a cost of Rs 35 lakh at Sanjay Circle in the city.
“The auto stand was built using my MP development funds and that of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda. It is spacious and will benefit drivers and passengers,” he said.
Former minister C S Puttaraju, city municipal president Prakash and local JD(S) leaders were present.
He also inaugurated the newly constructed Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar market at Pete Beedhi.
Stalls in the market will be distributed to traders doing business here for many years, he said.