MoD Signs Rs 9,750 Million Contracts for TRAWL Assembly

24 Apr 2026 CW Team

The TRAWL Assembly, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation as an indigenous solution, is intended to enhance the minefield breaching capability of armoured formations. It is designed to create vehicle safe lanes through minefields containing anti-tank mines fitted with proximity magnetic fuses and thereby to improve the operational effectiveness of manoeuvre units. The equipment's integration onto existing T-72 and T-90 platforms will standardise breaching procedures and reduce the logistical footprint of dedicated mine-clearing assets.

Procured as a Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) case, the project underscores the emphasis on modernising defence infrastructure through domestic design and production under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The contracts are described as supporting the development of local supply chains and catalysing direct and indirect employment by engaging component manufacturers across the micro, small and medium enterprises sector. The initiative is also set to enhance skills in precision engineering, assembly and maintenance within the defence industrial base.

Officials indicated that indigenous manufacture will improve sustainment, spares availability and lifecycle support for the assemblies while reducing dependence on imports. The procurement is presented as a strategic investment in capability enhancement that aligns procurement practice with national objectives for self-reliance and industrial growth in defence manufacturing.

The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Private Limited for the procurement of the TRAWL Assembly for T-72 and T-90 tanks at an approximate cost of Rs 9,750 million (mn). The agreements were signed in New Delhi on 21 April 2026 in the presence of the Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh. The procurement is part of a wider effort to equip the Indian Army with specialised breaching equipment. The TRAWL Assembly, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation as an indigenous solution, is intended to enhance the minefield breaching capability of armoured formations. It is designed to create vehicle safe lanes through minefields containing anti-tank mines fitted with proximity magnetic fuses and thereby to improve the operational effectiveness of manoeuvre units. The equipment's integration onto existing T-72 and T-90 platforms will standardise breaching procedures and reduce the logistical footprint of dedicated mine-clearing assets. Procured as a Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) case, the project underscores the emphasis on modernising defence infrastructure through domestic design and production under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The contracts are described as supporting the development of local supply chains and catalysing direct and indirect employment by engaging component manufacturers across the micro, small and medium enterprises sector. The initiative is also set to enhance skills in precision engineering, assembly and maintenance within the defence industrial base. Officials indicated that indigenous manufacture will improve sustainment, spares availability and lifecycle support for the assemblies while reducing dependence on imports. The procurement is presented as a strategic investment in capability enhancement that aligns procurement practice with national objectives for self-reliance and industrial growth in defence manufacturing.

Equipment

24 Apr 2026

Doosan Bobcat Drives Skills with Loader Training Push

Doosan Bobcat India has launched a comprehensive Skid Steer Loader Operator Training Programme to address the growing shortage of skilled operators and support faster adoption of compact equipment across India’s expanding infrastructure sector.The structured two-month programme is being conducted in partnership with Industrial Training Institute Bharathmatha Educational Trust, Annur. It combines classroom-based theoretical instruction with intensive hands-on practical training using advanced skid steer loaders. Participants will gain knowledge of safe machine handling, routine maintenance, e..

Infrastructure Urban

24 Apr 2026

Centre Examines Duty Relief Under MOOWR For Battery Storage Imports

The finance ministry is examining whether to continue customs warehousing benefits under the Manufacture and Other Operations in Warehouse Regulations, 2019 framework for imported battery energy storage systems. It plans consultations with the ministries of power and new and renewable energy to decide on the future scope of duty and GST deferment for such imports. The review follows concerns from the renewable energy sector that the current approach is creating an uneven playing field. Under the regulations, companies may import goods without paying customs duty or goods and services tax upfro..

Infrastructure Urban

24 Apr 2026

Jamshedpur MP Seeks Rs 4,820 Million Plan For Tatanagar Platforms

Member of Parliament Bidyut Baran Mahato held a meeting with Vikas Jain, Executive Director (Public Grievances) of the Railway Board, following a special session of Parliament to press for accelerated rail infrastructure work around Jamshedpur and Tatanagar. The discussions addressed a range of projects that the ministry is prioritising for the area. Final Location Surveys for the construction of the fourth and fifth railway lines between Pandrasali and Kandra and for the development of a satellite station near Tatanagar have already been approved, clearing the way for detailed planning. Mahat..