Raksha Rajya Mantri Visits HAL and BEML Facilities in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth visited the facilities of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and BEML Limited in Bengaluru on July 15, 2024, to review the ongoing works at these Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). During his visits, he interacted with officials from both HAL and BEML Limited, commending their contributions towards realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) and Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

Sanjay Seth emphasized the importance of evolving with changing times and staying updated with the latest technological advancements to develop niche products and platforms. He urged the DPSUs to enhance cooperation with the private sector to achieve the Government’s objective of making India a global defense manufacturing hub, assuring them of the Government’s full support in this mission.

The Minister began his engagements with a visit to HAL, where he was briefed on various aspects including products, repair and overhaul, aircraft upgrades, avionics developments, exports, engine production, manned and unmanned aerial vehicles, indigenization measures, and support to ISRO. He also toured the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and Helicopter Divisions.

Chairman and Managing Director (Additional Charge) of HAL, CB Ananthakrishnan, expressed gratitude for the Government’s support and highlighted HAL’s proactive measures to overcome challenges in different areas of its operations.

During his visit to BEML Limited, Sanjay Seth flagged off a new driverless MRS-1 Metro trainset, marking another milestone for the DPSU. This trainset is the 55th to be supplied to the Mumbai Metro Rail Metropolitan Authority, and BEML is the first Indian rolling stock manufacturer to design, develop, manufacture, and supply driverless trains.

The Raksha Rajya Mantri praised BEML’s contribution to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, stating that the driverless metro trainset symbolizes the nation’s growing capabilities in manufacturing advanced transportation solutions. Chairman and Managing Director of BEML, Shantanu Roy, expressed his appreciation for the Ministry of Defence’s continued support and reiterated the DPSU’s commitment to delivering quality products.