New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth Rs 498.58 crore with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the normal refit and re-powering of Indian Naval Ship (INS) Betwa.
The agreement was signed on 11 November 2026 in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi.
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.
The refit will also include upgrades to the ship's combat capabilities through the installation of a modernised weapon suite. These changes are expected to improve the vessel's operational effectiveness.
Project to Involve More Than 50 MSMEs
The project is expected to strengthen India's indigenous ship repair and maintenance ecosystem, particularly its capacity to undertake complex propulsion system conversions and modernisation of naval platforms.
More than 50 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are expected to participate in the project, generating employment opportunities across the domestic shipbuilding and ancillary industries.
The initiative is also expected to support the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India programmes by expanding domestic capabilities in naval ship repair, maintenance and modernisation.
