Honda electric two-wheeler plant Narasapura Kolar Karnataka : Honda’s 1st dedicated Rs 600 crore electric two-wheeler plant in India is starting operations in Kolar, Karnataka. The facility will boost EV manufacturing & create jobs, building on Honda’s existing largest Indian plant.
KOLAR, KARNATAKA – In a significant boost to Karnataka’s electric vehicle (EV) ambitions Honda’s dedicated electric two-wheeler manufacturing unit is soon commencing operations in the state’s Narasapura industrial area. The project involving an investment of about ₹600 crore marks a pivotal moment for both the Japanese automotive giant and India’s evolving EV landscape.
The confirmation came during a high-level meeting between a Karnataka government delegation led by Industries Minister M.B. Patil, and Honda’s executive vice president, Noriya Kaihara, in Japan. This facility, which was agreed upon during the state’s Global Investors Meet in February will be Honda’s first plant in India exclusively dedicated to manufacturing electric two-wheelers.
Building on a Manufacturing Powerhouse
The strategic choice of location is no coincidence. Honda’s existing Narasapura plant is already a behemoth, producing over 2.4 million two-wheelers annually making it the company’s largest manufacturing facility in India. This new investment will effectively electrify a part of this established manufacturing hub, integrating electric mobility into its core operations.
Minister M.B. Patil highlighted the project’s significance, stating, “This project will create significant employment opportunities in Karnataka’s automobile sector.” The move is expected to generate a substantial number of jobs and solidify Karnataka’s position as a premier destination for advanced automotive manufacturing.
Karnataka’s Push for a High-Tech Hub
The delegation’s visit to Japan had a broader agenda: to position Karnataka as a central hub for semiconductors, electronics and advanced manufacturing. The discussions with Honda were a key part of this mission and the delegation also urged the company to consider expanding its operations in the state beyond the two-wheeler segment.
The trip yielded promising dialogues with other Japanese tech leaders:
- Tokyo Electron: Discussed semiconductor opportunities, building on its existing development base in Bengaluru.
- Mitsubishi Electric: Detailed its current operations in the state involving CNC controllers, elevators, and UPS systems.
- Yokogawa: The electrical engineering multinational signaled expansion plans as its Bengaluru facilities, which employ over 2,000 people, are nearing capacity.
- Restar: The electronics and semiconductor player discussed strengthening Karnataka’s electronics value chain and was encouraged to explore Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) in Bengaluru.
The imminent launch of the Honda electric two-wheeler plant Narasapura Kolar Karnataka is more than just a new factory; it’s a testament to the state’s successful industrial policy and its ability to attract high-value investment. It signifies a major step towards a diversified, future-ready industrial ecosystem for Karnataka and provides a powerful impetus to India’s electric mobility transition.