Cochin Shipyard secures ₹498-crore contract to upgrade INS Betwa

Summary

The Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹498-crore contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the mid-life refit and re-powering of Indian Navy frigate INS Betwa. The Brahmaputra-class guided missile frigate will receive a new diesel-engine-based propulsion system in place of its existing steam-based system, along with upgraded weapons and combat capabilities. The project is expected to involve more than 50 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

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Cochin Shipyard to undertake INS Betwa mid-life refit

The Ministry of Defence has awarded Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) a contract worth ₹498 crore for the mid-life refit and re-powering of INS Betwa, a Brahmaputra-class guided missile frigate operated by the Indian Navy.

The contract was signed in New Delhi on Wednesday in the presence of Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh.

The project will involve a major transformation of the vessel’s propulsion system, replacing its existing steam-based arrangement with a diesel-engine-based propulsion system. The refit will also include the installation of an upgraded weapon suite to improve the frigate’s combat capabilities and operational effectiveness.

Propulsion system replacement and combat upgrades planned

The transition from steam-based to diesel-engine-based propulsion is a key component of the modernisation programme. The work will require specialised engineering and integration capabilities to modify the vessel’s existing machinery and propulsion arrangements.

Alongside the propulsion overhaul, the installation of a modernised weapon suite will upgrade the frigate’s operational capabilities.

The project is also expected to strengthen India’s domestic naval ship repair and maintenance ecosystem, particularly in handling complex propulsion transformations and modernisation work on naval platforms.

INS Betwa’s history of accidents and operational service

Commissioned in July 2004, INS Betwa has experienced several major accidents during its operational history.

On 4 January 2014, the frigate struck an unidentified underwater object, damaging its sonar dome and resulting in seawater ingress into sensitive equipment.

A more serious accident occurred on 5 December 2016, when the 3,850-tonne vessel toppled onto its port side after slipping from its dock blocks during undocking at Mumbai Naval Dockyard. The incident killed two sailors and injured 15 others. It also damaged the ship’s main mast and caused extensive flooding in machinery and compartment spaces.

The US-based Resolve Marine Group subsequently carried out a salvage operation to right the vessel. The operation reportedly cost around ₹20 crore and was completed by mid-2017.

Following repairs and restoration, INS Betwa returned to service. In 2021, it participated in search-and-rescue operations following Cyclone Tauktae. Earlier, in 2006, the frigate had taken part in Operation Sukoon, which involved evacuating Indian citizens from Lebanon to Cyprus.

Project expected to involve more than 50 MSMEs

The ₹498-crore refit is expected to generate work for more than 50 MSMEs and create employment opportunities across India’s shipbuilding and ancillary industries.

The Ministry of Defence said the project would support the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives by expanding indigenous capabilities in naval ship repair, maintenance and propulsion system modernisation.

The contract also adds to Cochin Shipyard’s role in undertaking repair and maintenance projects for Indian naval platforms.

FAQs

What is the value of the INS Betwa refit contract?

The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth ₹498 crore with Cochin Shipyard Limited for the mid-life refit and re-powering of INS Betwa.

What changes will be made to INS Betwa’s propulsion system?

The frigate’s existing steam-based propulsion system will be replaced with a diesel-engine-based propulsion system.

What other upgrades are planned for INS Betwa?

The refit will include the installation of a modernised weapon suite to improve the vessel’s combat capabilities and operational effectiveness.

Which shipyard will undertake the INS Betwa modernisation?

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has been awarded the ₹498-crore contract to carry out the refit and re-powering work.

How many MSMEs are expected to participate in the project?

More than 50 MSMEs are expected to be involved in the project, generating employment across the shipbuilding and ancillary industries.

What major accident did INS Betwa experience in 2016?

On 5 December 2016, INS Betwa toppled onto its port side after slipping from its dock blocks during undocking at Mumbai Naval Dockyard. The accident killed two sailors, injured 15 others and caused extensive damage to the vessel.