Should PM Modi Declare Bengaluru-Hyderabad a Defence & Aerospace Corridor?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Revanth Reddy urges PM Modi to declare a defence corridor.
- The Safran MRO centre is a significant milestone for Telangana.
- Investment of ₹1,300 crore will create jobs for over 1,000 individuals.
- Telangana's aerospace exports doubled last year, surpassing pharma.
- Commitment to skilling the youth for advanced manufacturing.
Hyderabad, Nov 26 (NationPress) Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy of Telangana made a request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, urging him to designate the Bengaluru-Hyderabad route as a defence and aerospace corridor.
This appeal was made during the inauguration of the largest MRO centre for CFM International LEAP engines in Hyderabad, established by the French aerospace giant Safran.
He emphasized that recognizing this route as a defence and aerospace corridor would significantly aid in achieving Viksit Bharat.
The Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) facility, located in the GMR AeroPark (SEZ) near Shamshabad, is set to begin operations in 2026.
Reddy congratulated Safran for their substantial investment in Hyderabad and expressed gratitude for their enduring partnership with Telangana.
He described this facility as a crucial step in Telangana’s expansion in the aerospace and defence sectors.
This centre will be the first Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) centre for LEAP engines in India, backed by an investment of ₹1,300 crore. It is expected to provide jobs for over 1,000 skilled technicians and engineers, while also fostering new business prospects for local MSMEs and precision engineering firms.
Additionally, the foundation stone was laid for the Safran M88 Military Engine MRO, which will serve both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
The Chief Minister highlighted Hyderabad's emergence as a prominent aerospace and defence hub, housing over 25 major global firms and more than 1,500 MSMEs. He pointed out that Telangana's innovative industrial and MSME policies rank among the finest in India.
He noted that the city's exceptional infrastructure, aerospace parks, and SEZs play a pivotal role in attracting substantial investments from leading international companies, establishing it as a prime location for intricate precision engineering projects.
Hyderabad has become a preferred site for companies including Safran, Boeing, Airbus, Tata, and Bharat Forge for manufacturing and R&D, solidifying its status as one of India’s foremost MRO and aero-engine hubs.
Reddy pointed out that Telangana's aerospace and defence exports doubled last year, reaching ₹30,742 crore within nine months, marking a significant milestone by surpassing the state’s pharma exports.
He also mentioned that Telangana has repeatedly been honored with the Best State Award for Aerospace from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Reddy stressed the importance of skilling in attracting investments in aerospace, stating that Telangana has transformed 100 Industrial Training Institutes into Advanced Technology Centres in collaboration with Tata Technologies, ensuring that youth are prepared for advanced manufacturing roles.
He invited Safran to take a lead role in aerospace and MRO skilling initiatives at the Young India Skills University, which is offering specialized training in aircraft maintenance.
Reaffirming Telangana's dedication to providing world-class infrastructure, the Chief Minister discussed the upcoming Bharat Future City, being developed over a span of 30,000 acres as a fully green, net-zero global destination, positioning it as India’s equivalent to New York, Tokyo, Dubai, and Singapore.
He extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to participate in the 'Telangana Rising 2047 – Global Summit' at Bharat Future City on December 8 and 9, where the state’s long-term aspirations will be revealed. Telangana aims to evolve into a $1 trillion economy by 2035 and a $3 trillion economy by 2047.