HMT revival plan in final stage, DPR nearly ready: Kumaraswamy
Synopsis
After two years of groundwork and a high-level committee review led by former NITI Aayog member V.K. Saraswat, the government's plan to revive Hindustan Machine Tools is reportedly in its final stage — with the DPR nearly ready and inter-ministerial consultations imminent. For an institution that once defined India's industrial identity, this could be its most credible second chance yet.
Key Takeaways
Kumaraswamy declared the HMT revival DPR is in its final stage on 12 June in Bengaluru .
A high-level committee chaired by V.K.
Saraswat , former NITI Aayog member, submitted recommendations that form the basis of the revival roadmap.
Inter-ministerial consultations with concerned stakeholders are set to begin shortly to expedite implementation.
Kumaraswamy dedicated the Advanced Engineering Material Testing Facility Centre at CMTI to the nation.
The government plans to substantially expand CMTI with greater financial and institutional support in line with Aatmanirbhar Bharat .
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy announced on 12 June that the government's plan to revive Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) has entered its final stage, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) nearing completion. Speaking at the 65th Foundation Day of the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy said stakeholder consultations with concerned ministries would begin shortly to accelerate implementation.
Where the Revival Plan Stands
According to the Minister, the government has spent the past two years formulating a comprehensive revival strategy for HMT. A high-level committee chaired by V.K. Saraswat, former member of NITI Aayog, was constituted to examine the matter and submit recommendations. A structured roadmap has since been prepared based on the committee's findings, aimed at restoring HMT to its position as a leading industrial enterprise.
Kumaraswamy added that the revival effort has received the full backing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under whose leadership concrete steps have been initiated to restore HMT's legacy across its various business divisions and operational units spread across the country, including Bengaluru.
New Facility Dedicated at CMTI
On the occasion, Kumaraswamy dedicated the Advanced Engineering Material Testing Facility Centre at CMTI to the nation. He subsequently toured the institute, reviewed ongoing activities across departments, and interacted with young scientists and researchers about their work and aspirations.
The Minister described CMTI as one of India's most distinguished industrial research institutions, noting its significant contributions to strategic sectors including aerospace and defence. He highlighted that the institute — which began as a modest organisation 65 years ago — now directly employs hundreds of professionals and supports thousands of families through its research, innovation, and product development work.
Government Plans to Expand CMTI
Kumaraswamy announced that the Central Government intends to substantially expand CMTI in the coming years, committing greater financial and institutional support in line with PM Modi's Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India vision. He noted that over the past twelve years, the government has accorded priority to industrial research, innovation, and technological advancement, actively building a skill-based employment ecosystem for engineering and diploma graduates.
Who Attended
The event was attended by CMTI Director Nagahanumaiah, senior officials, scientists, industry representatives, and other distinguished guests.
With the DPR in its final stages, the HMT revival now awaits inter-ministerial consultations before moving to implementation — a process that will determine whether India's storied machine-tools maker can reclaim its industrial relevance.
Point of View
But HMT's decline was structural: global competition, outdated product lines, and accumulated losses that no roadmap alone can erase. The government's framing links HMT's revival to the broader Make in India narrative, which raises the stakes — and the scrutiny. The test will be in the inter-ministerial consultations: whether funding commitments are firm, timelines are binding, and employment targets are independently verifiable.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the HMT revival plan?
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the revival of Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) is in its final stages, according to Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. Inter-ministerial consultations are expected to begin shortly to move the plan toward implementation.
Who led the high-level committee on HMT revival?
The high-level committee was chaired by V.K. Saraswat, a former member of NITI Aayog. The committee's extensive recommendations formed the basis of the structured roadmap now being finalised by the government.
What is CMTI and why was the minister there?
The Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), headquartered in Bengaluru, is one of India's premier industrial research institutions with contributions to aerospace, defence, and advanced manufacturing. Kumaraswamy attended its 65th Foundation Day, where he also dedicated a new Advanced Engineering Material Testing Facility Centre to the nation.
What are the government's plans for CMTI?
The Central Government intends to substantially expand CMTI in the coming years, providing greater financial and institutional support in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. The minister described the expansion as part of a broader push to strengthen India's manufacturing and research ecosystem.
Why does the HMT revival matter?
HMT was once India's flagship public-sector machine-tools manufacturer, symbolising post-independence industrial ambition. Its revival is seen as significant for restoring domestic manufacturing capability, generating skill-based employment, and reducing dependence on imported industrial machinery.
