Bengaluru, July 15, 2024 – Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth conducted a significant visit to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and BEML Limited facilities in Bengaluru, Karnataka, to review their ongoing projects and advancements. This visit underscores the government’s focus on bolstering India’s defense manufacturing capabilities.
During his tour, Sanjay Seth interacted with officials from both Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), commending their contributions towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat. He emphasized the necessity for staying current with technological advancements to develop niche products and platforms. Highlighting the importance of collaboration, he urged officials to enhance their cooperation with the private sector to transform India into a global defense manufacturing hub. He assured them of the government’s full support in achieving this mission.
Sanjay Seth’s visit to HAL included briefings on various aspects such as product development, repair and overhaul operations, aircraft upgrades, avionics advancements, export initiatives, engine production, and the development of manned and unmanned aerial vehicles. He also visited the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and Helicopter Divisions. Chairman and Managing Director (Additional Charge) CB Ananthakrishnan thanked the Raksha Rajya Mantri for the government’s support, highlighting HAL’s proactive measures to overcome operational challenges.
At BEML Limited, Sanjay Seth flagged off a new driverless MRS-1 Metro trainset, marking a significant milestone for the DPSU. This trainset is the 55th to be delivered to the Mumbai Metro Rail Metropolitan Authority, solidifying BEML’s position as the first Indian rolling stock manufacturer to design, develop, manufacture, and supply driverless trains.
Sanjay Seth praised BEML’s contributions to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, noting that the driverless metro trainset exemplifies the nation’s growing capabilities in producing advanced transportation solutions. BEML’s Chairman and Managing Director, Shantanu Roy, expressed gratitude for the Ministry of Defence’s continuous support and reaffirmed the DPSU’s commitment to delivering high-quality products.
This visit by the Raksha Rajya Mantri highlights the strategic importance of technological advancements and private sector collaboration in fortifying India’s defense manufacturing landscape.
