SHOIB MOIN / KOLKATA
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has made a passionate call for complete self-reliance in manufacturing warships and offshore vessels, terming indigenous defense production non-negotiable for national security. Speaking in Kolkata during the groundbreaking ceremony for multi-billion-rupee infrastructure projects by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and Yantra India Limited (YIL), the Minister stressed that world-class maintenance, strict quality assurance, and punctual delivery schedules are paramount to turning India into a preeminent global shipbuilding powerhouse.
The Minister also informed GRSE is building a cargo ship for Germany. GRSE is a premier Navratna Defense Public Sector Undertaking based in Kolkata. YIL is a prominent Miniratna Category-I Defense Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU). It is one of the seven DPSUs.
Defence Minister said quality assurance and timely delivery of defence products should be taken care of for export from India to the world. Rajnath Singh mentioned that the armed forces are now relying on indigenous products.
Mr Singh said the intention of a nation should be right to make it leap forward.
Defence Minister mentioned that the government of West Bengal is providing full cooperation in connection with internal security. He said the state will take steps to usher in a new renaissance of development.
The news of closures and lockouts of factories in West Bengal has now been replaced by the launch of new projects. He mentioned that 11 thousand acre lands have been provided by the state government. Lauding the efforts of GRSE Limited, he said the Navratna company has provided more than 100 vessels in recent times.
Mentioning YIL, the Defence Minister said it is working not only to provide traditional weapons but also in research and development. Rajnath Singh lauded the efforts of YIL in its work in metallurgy in connection with defence production.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari alleged that previous governments in West Bengal did not work with the Centre for development of the state. Mr Adhikari said West Bengal’s “double-engine government” will now ensure the state’s development.
Among the five projects, three projects of GRSE mark a significant step towards enhancing the shipyard’s manufacturing capacity and infrastructure.
Advancing the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India vision, these projects will enable the company to meet the growing requirements of the Maritime Forces and other defence and maritime stakeholders.
The Bhumi Pujan ceremonies were conducted simultaneously at Kidderpore, Shalimar, Raichak and Ishapore across West Bengal.
Additionally, as part of its capacity expansion, GRSE has signed lease agreements with Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) for two small shipyards at the Hooghly river along with a 32-acre riverside property at Raichak.
It will enhance the capabilities of GRSE in warship construction and refit, as well as the construction and repair of small and medium-sized commercial vessels.
At YIL’s Metal and Steel Factory, Ishapore, two facilities with a combined investment of over 750 crore rupees will strengthen indigenous metallurgical and defence manufacturing.
With Industry 4.0 and energy-efficient technologies, both facilities will enhance high-end manufacturing, reduce import dependence and support the defence, railway and strategic sectors.