New Delhi, Nov 11 (NVI): The Ministry of Defence on Wednesday signed a contract worth Rs 498.5 crore with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the normal refit and re-powering of Indian Navy warship INS Betwa.
The contract was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi.
Under the project, INS Betwa, a Brahmaputra-class frigate, will undergo a major propulsion system transformation, involving the replacement of its existing steam-based propulsion system with a diesel-engine-based system.
The refit will also include the upgradation of the warship’s combat capabilities through the installation of a modernised weapon suite, enhancing its operational effectiveness, the Defence Ministry said.
The project is expected to strengthen indigenous capabilities in the ship repair and maintenance sector, particularly in undertaking complex propulsion system transformations and modernisation of naval platforms.
More than 50 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are expected to be involved in the project, which will also generate significant employment opportunities across the country’s shipbuilding and ancillary industries.
The ministry said the initiative would provide a boost to the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives while further strengthening India’s indigenous naval ship repair and maintenance capabilities.—(NVI)
