Strategic industry in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh could well be in for some beefing up. The DRDO and public sector BEL want to set up facilities in these two states.

The Telangana Government has offered to give 100 acres at Nagarjunasagar to the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) for setting up a Systems & Components Testing Facility. It will have expertise in engine and critical components testing and one of its kind in the country.

The project entails an investment of Rs 1600 crore. The Telangana Chief Minister, K Chandrasekhara Rao also wanted an airstrip to be developed for use both by the defence and civilians. The famous Nagarjunasagar dam and the Buddhist site of Nagarjunakonda make the place a tourist attraction. He assured DRDO representatives of support and asked officials to take quick steps to facilitate the project.

BEL Plans:

Meanwhile, the BEL has proposed a major defence production unit in Andhra Pradesh. A top level delegation today requested the CM, N Chandrababu Naidu to allot 1000 acres in Penugonda of Anantapur district to facilitate the move.

The project involves an investment of Rs 1500 crore. It will provide employment to around 500 people. Last week the State Government decided to give land to the DRDO to set up a Center for High Energy Sciences and Systems in neighbouring Kadapa district.

The Bangalore-based, BEL also wants to expand its existing facilities in Machilipatnam to scale up production of night goggles. It has requested for additional 50 acres of land.

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