File picture of Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister of India
Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh reviewed the performance of four defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) engaged in shipbuilding - Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL). Senior officials of the DPSUs gave presentations in separate meetings with the minister and apprised him about their current activities and future plans.
Singh appreciated the improvements brought about by these DPSUs in their performance over the years and urged them to further strive to become world class and compete at international level. Appreciating the indigenisation levels achieved by these DPSUs, he urged them to explore further avenues in the push for ‘Make in India'. He also called for full capacity utilisation and exploring new modes of business models to increase exports.
The GRSE has a significant presence in the segment of Bailey Bridges, with Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Indian Army and civil sectors being the prime customers. GRSE is exporting such bridges to friendly neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh. GRSE has the distinction of delivering more than 100 warships to the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. The last ship of P-28 project namely Kavaratti is scheduled for delivery to the Indian Navy shortly. With excellent track record in ship deliveries, GRSE delivered 11 warships within the last 32 months.
The GSL has made significant inroads into global market with export of diverse vessels to Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Countries. Till date, the shipyard has exported 36 vessels and a Damage Control Simulator to friendly foreign countries. The projects were delivered ahead of schedule. Moreover, MoUs have been signed with NBCC in the field of Project Management Consultancy, with L&T to jointly produce Defence Equipment for both domestic as well as export market, with BEL in the field of Composites and exports of Defence Products.
