BrahMos expansion in Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Cabinet sanctions 90 acres more to DRDO
The Kerala Cabinet has approved the transfer of an additional 90 acres of land to the DRDO to expand the BrahMos Aerospace facility in Thiruvananthapuram. This project is part of a broader strategy to develop a regional defence and economic corridor.
Why it matters
The expansion of defense manufacturing hubs is a key component of national strategic industrial policy and regional economic development.
The Cabinet on Wednesday decided to release 90 acres more to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of the proposal to develop a new facility for BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (BATL) in the district.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said at a post-Cabinet briefing that the State government had released 90 acres earlier. The project required 180 acres in all, and the additional authorisation for the 90 acres was necessary for the grant of approvals from the DRDO, according to him.
The Supreme Court had in December 2025 given its approval for the transfer of land under the Nettukaltheri open prison complex to BATL. This unit, the second of BATL in Thiruvananthapuram district after the one at Chakka, is expected to be dedicated to advanced missiles and strategic hardware.
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