Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated India’s first supercapacitor manufacturing facility at Keltron Component Complex Limited (KCCL) in Kallyassery, Kannur, on Tuesday, marking a new chapter in the country’s electronics and energy storage sectors.
Speaking at the event, Vijayan lauded Keltron as a model public sector undertaking (PSU) in the electronics and IT industry. He stated that since its inception in 1974, Keltron has set a benchmark for public sector organisations across India. “It is a matter of pride that Keltron, the country’s first electronics manufacturing company, is now home to the first supercapacitor production facility in India,” Vijayan remarked during the ceremony.
Kerala’s Electronics Leadership
The Chief Minister emphasised Kerala’s pioneering role in several fields, including electronics and digital infrastructure. He noted that Kerala is also home to India’s first IT park, digital university, and graphene research centre, and recently hosted the country’s first Gen AI Conclave. He added that the state’s advancements in these sectors position it as a leader in technology and innovation.
The new supercapacitor manufacturing facility was developed in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and Vijayan expressed gratitude for ISRO’s involvement. The plant, which required an initial investment of Rs 42 crore, is expected to significantly bolster Kerala’s growing reputation as a hub for electronics industries, as well as support India’s defence and electric vehicle sectors.
Government Plans for Electronics Growth
Vijayan outlined the Kerala government’s plans to further develop the electronics industry, revealing an additional Rs 1,000 crore investment to expand production capacity and modernise existing facilities. A master plan worth Rs 395 crore has already been created for the timely modernisation of Keltron, with several key projects close to completion. The Chief Minister specifically mentioned Keltron’s Karakulam unit, which is on its way to becoming a part of the power electronics sector.
Moreover, the government is actively working to enhance infrastructure to support this growth, including the development of an electronics hardware manufacturing park at Amballur and connecting national highways to form an IT corridor. The Chief Minister also highlighted the development of small manufacturing clusters, testing facilities, laboratories, and tool rooms aimed at supporting existing electronics manufacturers in the state. “Keltron can play a pivotal role in transforming Kerala into an electronics manufacturing hub,” Vijayan affirmed.
The Potential of Supercapacitors
The newly inaugurated facility will produce high-quality, indigenously made supercapacitors with diverse applications, ranging from electric vehicles to space missions. Supercapacitors are known for their ability to store and discharge energy rapidly, making them crucial in industries such as defence, automotive, and aerospace.
According to the announcement, KCCL will produce up to 2,000 supercapacitors per day, adhering to global standards and helping meet India’s growing demand for advanced electronic components. The first phase of the plant’s construction has been completed, with imported machinery installed, paving the way for full-scale production. Within four years, the facility is expected to generate an annual turnover of Rs 22 crore and a profit of Rs 3 crore.
Dignitaries Present at the Inauguration
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Kerala’s Minister for Industry and Law, P Rajeev. Keltron Chairman N Narayana Murthy outlined the project’s scope and future ambitions, while former Minister EP Jayarajan and several other notable figures, including MLA M Vijin, Kannur District Panchayat President PP Divya, and KCCL Managing Director KG Krishnakumar, were also in attendance.
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