Tiruchirappalli, January 20

To accelerate indigenous production of defence systems, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today inaugurated Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor that is expected to attract Rs 3,123.50 crore worth of investment.

Inaugurating the corridor, Sitharaman said the Centre had decided on two corridors — in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu — despite demands from states like Karnataka and Maharashtra.

She also spoke about the Defence Ministry’s initiatives to ensure that the Indian industry engages with the country’s armed forces to co-create best defence technologies. Sitharaman said the development of these specialised corridors will facilitate a well-planned and efficient industrial base.

Several public and private sector organisations announced investment projects worth about Rs 3,100 crore, said the Defence Ministry. Major players like Lockheed Martin, LMW and others announced their plans to set up units in the corridor.

The Ordinance Factory Board announced its plans to invest about Rs 2,305 crore. Among the investors are BEL (Rs 140.50 crore), BEML (Rs 40 crore), BDL (Rs 150 crore), MDL (Rs 15 crore), TVS (Rs 30 crore) and Data Patterns (Rs 75 crore). — IANS

Rs 3K-cr investment  

• Nirmala Sitharaman said UP too would have a defence corridor
• The aim, she said, was to facilitate well-planned and efficient industrial base
• TN corridor has attracted an investment of Rs 3,123.50 cr