Bangalore: Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar urged Defence Minister A K Antony to expedite setting up of Helicopter Manaufacturing Division by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at Bidar.

In a letter to Mr Antony, copy of which was released to the media here, he said the Karnataka Government had already identified about 384.34 acres of land in Bidar in one stretch, adjacent to the present Air Force Station.

"The state government was committed to provide land, electricity and water for setting up the helicopter mqanufacturing division," he added.

Mr Shettar said the Defence Air base along with Jet and Hawks Training Centre was already in existence in Bangalore.

Bidar being one of the districts in Hyderabad-Karnataka region, was one of the backward regions.

This project would boost the economy of the district.

Therefore, it would be very appropriate to set up the helicopter manufacturing division in Bidar.