Garden Reach Shipbuilders Bags Order for Two Coastal Research Vessels

13 Jun 2025 CW Team

State-run Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers announced on June 11 that it has signed a contract to build two coastal research vessels (CRVs) for the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Each vessel will measure 64 metres in length and 12 metres in width, with a deadweight tonnage of approximately 450 tonnes. Designed for 15 days of endurance, the CRVs will be capable of achieving a top speed of 10 knots and will accommodate 35 personnel on board.

The vessels are intended for offshore geological mapping, mineral exploration including dredging, and ocean environment monitoring and research. They will feature modern scientific laboratories for data processing and sample analysis. Equipped with Dynamic Positioning – 1, the ships will be able to maintain their position even in Sea State 3. The vessels will operate within India's exclusive economic zone at depths ranging from 5 to 1,000 metres and will be powered by diesel-electric propulsion systems, with diesel generators driving the thrusters.

The shipyard is currently engaged in the construction of an ocean research vessel for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, as well as an acoustic research ship for the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

In addition to these projects, the company is building 16 warships across four classes for the Indian Navy. It has emerged as the lowest bidder for the Navy’s Next Generation Corvettes (NGC) programme and anticipates securing a contract to build five vessels under this initiative. Garden Reach Shipbuilders is also constructing eight multi-purpose cargo vessels for a German client.

News source: CNBC TV18

Infrastructure Transport

01 Sep 2025

Indian Railways Marks New Milestone with 4.5 km Long ‘Rudrastra’ Trial

Indian Railways has successfully conducted the trial run of Asia’s longest freight train, named ‘Rudrastra’, achieving a new milestone in cargo transportation, as per news reports. The 4.5 km-long train began its trial from Ganjkhwaja railway station in Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, and travelled to Garhwa in Jharkhand. Covering a distance of 209 km in 5 hours and 10 minutes, it maintained an average speed of 40.5 km per hour. The train was formed by combining three long-haul racks, with ..

UltraTech Launches India’s First On-Site Hybrid RTC Renewable Energy Project

UltraTech Cement has operationalised a 7.5 MW round-the-clock (RTC) hybrid renewable energy project at its Sewagram Cement Works in Gujarat. The first-of-its-kind solution combines bifacial solar modules with trackers, wind energy and battery storage, co-located on-site, to ensure uninterrupted power for cement manufacturing without grid reliance. The project was executed in collaboration with clean energy solutions provider Gentari. Installed as a behind-the-meter system, it is the country..

Patna Metro Trials Successful, Red Line Priority Corridor to Launch This Month

Patna is set to roll out its first metro rail service later this month, with successful trial runs conducted on the Red Line priority corridor, the Patna Metro Rail Corporation announced.On 7 September, a metro train completed a test run between the Patna depot and Bhootnath station. Officials said the trials involved rigorous checks of rolling stock fitness, overhead electrification (OHE), and track alignment and stability to ensure operational safety and performance.The corridor from the New Pataliputra Bus Terminal to Bhoothnath has been designated as the priority stretch and will be the fi..