The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Wednesday signed a contract worth approximately ₹498.58 crore with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the Normal Refit and Re-powering of Indian Naval Ship (INS) Betwa. The contract was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Under the project, INS Betwa, a Brahmaputra-class frigate of the Indian Navy, will undergo a major transformation of its propulsion system. Its existing steam-based propulsion system will be replaced with a diesel-engine-based system, marking a significant technological upgrade for the naval platform.
The refit will also include modernisation of the ship’s combat capabilities through the installation of an upgraded weapon suite. These improvements are expected to enhance the vessel’s operational effectiveness and strengthen its overall capabilities.
The project is expected to give a boost to India’s indigenous ship repair and maintenance ecosystem, particularly its capacity to undertake complex propulsion system transformations and modernisation of naval platforms.
More than 50 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are expected to participate in the project. It is also likely to generate significant employment opportunities across the country’s shipbuilding and ancillary industries.
The contract aligns with the Government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. By strengthening domestic expertise in naval ship repair, maintenance and modernisation, the project is expected to reinforce India’s indigenous capabilities in supporting and upgrading its naval fleet.
