Defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) has announced a significant capacity expansion plan, committing ₹2,670 crore across three of its facilities in West Bengal. The investment is poised to enhance GRSE's shipbuilding capabilities, enabling it to undertake larger and more intricate projects for both the defence and commercial maritime sectors.
Raichak Facility to Become Shipbuilding Hub
The largest portion of the investment, over ₹2,500 crore, is allocated to the Raichak facility. This site is slated for transformation into a comprehensive shipbuilding hub. Development plans include the construction of a 200-meter dry dock, a new slipway, a launching pad, multiple jetties, and advanced block fabrication facilities. With a 356-meter waterfront and a 96-meter jetty, the Raichak hub will be capable of constructing warships up to 200 meters in length and commercial vessels with a capacity of up to 60,000 DWT.
Timber Pond and Kidderpore Docks Upgrades
Approximately ₹100 crore will be invested in the Timber Pond facility in Shalimar, focusing on medium-sized shipbuilding and repair capabilities. This project involves the restoration of a 130-meter dry dock and the construction of a 120-meter slipway, significantly boosting the facility's operational efficiency.
Meanwhile, the Damodar facility at Kidderpore Docks will receive around ₹70 crore. This investment will primarily target medium-sized vessel repairs and the construction of electric ferries and other small crafts, catering to evolving maritime needs.
Meeting Growing Maritime and Defence Demands
These three expansion projects, for which foundation stones were laid on August 23, are integral to GRSE's broader strategy to meet the increasing requirements from India's maritime and defence sectors. As a Navratna defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence, GRSE has a distinguished history, having built over 800 platforms, including 118 warships for the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and friendly foreign countries. The enhanced capacity is expected to solidify GRSE's position as a key player in national and international shipbuilding.