Defence Ministry Signs Rs 15.61 Billion Deal for Bridge-Laying Tanks

25 Jan 2025 CW Team

The Defence Ministry has signed a Rs 15.61 billion contract with the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi, Chennai, to supply 47 T-72 Bridge-Laying Tanks (BLTs) to the Indian Army. These tanks will enhance the Army’s ability to ensure swift movement of mechanised forces in battle zones, supporting both offensive and defensive operations. BLTs are vital for launching bridges during military manoeuvres, making them a critical asset for mechanised forces. The deal aligns with the Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured) category under India’s defence procurement policy, which emphasises indigensation. This project is expected to significantly contribute to India’s economy and generate employment opportunities. HVF, a unit of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited (AVNL), is one of the seven defence companies formed in 2021 after the corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). These companies now produce a range of defence equipment, including ammunition, vehicles, weapons, troop comfort items, and electronics. The contract was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and senior officials from the ministry and HVF/AVNL. It marks another step in India’s efforts to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Recent initiatives include phased import bans on various weapons and components, increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) from 49% to 74%, and creating a dedicated budget for indigenous military hardware. India aims to achieve a defence manufacturing turnover of Rs 1.75 trillion in FY 2024-25. The latest deal follows a Rs 29.6 billion contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited to equip the Navy with medium-range surface-to-air missiles, further underscoring the country’s commitment to strengthening its defence capabilities.(HT)

Infrastructure Transport

18 Dec 2025

RVNL secures Rs 1.65 billion railway bridge project from North Eastern Railway

Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) has received a Letter of Award (LoA) from North Eastern Railway for a Rs 1.65 billion railway infrastructure project, strengthening its order book and showcasing its expertise in complex railway construction.The project involves constructing the substructure of a major railway bridge over the Gandak River, located between Paniyahwa and Valmikinagar stations. This is part of the doubling of the Gorakhpur Cantt–Valmikinagar railway section, aimed at improving line capacity and operational efficiency.The bridge will feature 14 spans of 61 metres each, built on double D-t..

Raebareli’s Modern Coach Factory rolls out 15,000th railway coach

The Modern Coach Factory (MCF) at Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh has achieved a major manufacturing milestone with the rollout of its 15,000th railway coach on December 15, the Ministry of Railways said.In a press note, the ministry said that MCF has already produced 1,310 coaches in the current financial year 2025–26, reflecting sustained high output at one of Indian Railways’ most advanced passenger coach manufacturing units.Established in 2007 at Lalganj in Raebareli district, MCF was built at a cost of Rs 31.92 billion with an initial annual production capacity of 1,000 coaches. The factor..

RailTel wins Rs 260.88 million IT infrastructure order from VOC Port

Navratna public sector undertaking RailTel Corporation of India has secured an IT infrastructure order worth Rs 260.88 million from V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port), strengthening its presence in port-led digital transformation projects.According to an exchange filing dated December 16, 2025, RailTel has received a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from VOC Port Authority for the implementation of advanced IT infrastructure at the port. The project is domestic in nature and is scheduled to be completed by August 15, 2026.The company said the order has been awarded in the normal course of ..