The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Wednesday signed a Rs 498.58-crore contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the Normal Refit and Re-powering of Indian Naval Ship (INS) Betwa, marking a major transformation of the warship’s propulsion system and combat capabilities.
The contract was signed in New Delhi on November 11 in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Under the project, INS Betwa, a Brahmaputra-class frigate, will undergo a significant propulsion upgrade involving the replacement of its existing steam-based propulsion system with a diesel-engine-based configuration. The refit will also include the installation of a modernised weapon suite to enhance the warship’s combat capabilities and operational effectiveness.
The propulsion system transformation is expected to strengthen the Navy’s operational capabilities while adding to India’s expertise in undertaking complex warship repair, maintenance and modernisation programmes.
The project is also expected to provide a boost to the indigenous ship repair and maintenance ecosystem, with more than 50 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) likely to participate in the undertaking. It is expected to generate employment across the shipbuilding and ancillary industries.
The refit reinforces the government’s push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, while expanding domestic capabilities in the repair, maintenance and modernisation of naval platforms.
The project also underscores the growing role of Indian shipyards in executing complex naval engineering programmes, including major propulsion upgrades and combat-system modernisation.
Team BharatShakti
