Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has formally appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to recognise the Hyderabad–Bengaluru belt as an official Defence and Aerospace Corridor, arguing that the region has evolved into one of India’s most significant high-technology clusters. The request came during the inauguration of a major aircraft engine maintenance facility set up by French aerospace giant Safran near Hyderabad.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister noted that the rapid expansion of aerospace and defence activities around Hyderabad has created a strong case for national-level corridor status. He highlighted that more than two dozen global aerospace and defence companies now operate in and around the city, supported by hundreds of local precision-engineering and manufacturing units. According to him, the growth achieved over the past few years has positioned the Bengaluru–Hyderabad stretch as one continuous industrial ecosystem that plays a strategic role in India’s technological advancement.

Revanth Reddy pointed out that the Safran Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, established at the GMR Aerospace Park, is expected to transform aircraft engine servicing capability in the country once it becomes fully operational next year. The project is designed to handle LEAP engines used in commercial aircraft and is anticipated to create a large pool of specialised jobs ranging from engine technicians to advanced manufacturing roles. He said the facility represents the confidence that global aerospace leaders have in Telangana’s capacity to support long-term technological investments.

The Chief Minister also participated in the foundation-laying ceremony for another MRO unit focused on military aircraft engines. This upcoming facility is expected to support the maintenance of engines used in frontline fighter aircraft, strengthening India’s defence preparedness and increasing indigenous capability in the sector. He added that the combination of commercial and military engine facilities makes Telangana a crucial link in national aviation infrastructure.

Revanth Reddy stressed that aerospace and defence exports from the state have grown at an unprecedented pace this year, surpassing previous industrial records. He noted that the sector has witnessed more than double the growth in a short period, reflecting both global demand and the increasing skill maturity of local industries. He said the proposed corridor would give formal recognition to the achievements of the region and help accelerate its global competitiveness.

The Chief Minister also emphasised the steps taken by the state government to strengthen the talent ecosystem, including the modernisation of government training institutes and the creation of specialised programmes in aircraft maintenance and advanced engineering. He invited major aerospace players to collaborate with Telangana’s skill-development initiatives to prepare a future-ready workforce.

Looking ahead, Revanth Reddy reiterated Telangana’s ambition to position Hyderabad among the world’s top innovation-driven cities. He said the Defence and Aerospace Corridor would play a pivotal role in aligning the state’s economic goals with national objectives, enabling both technological self-reliance and large-scale employment opportunities. He urged the Centre to consider the proposal positively, stating that the corridor would benefit not just Telangana but the entire southern region of the country by linking two major innovation hubs - Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

As industry leaders, defence representatives, and government officials attended the event, the proposal received strong support from various stakeholders. The final approval now rests with the Union Government, which is expected to study the feasibility and long-term implications of designating the stretch as a national defence and aerospace corridor.