Union defence minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurates GSL’s steel preparation facility

PANAJI: Union defence minister Rajnath Singh on Monday inaugurated Goa Shipyard Limited’s (GSL) new steel preparation facility, which will be utilised to construct the two guided missile frigates for the Indian Navy. The steel shop has been built at a cost of Rs 27 crore as part of GSL’s modernisation programme, GSL officials said.
“These activities of creating and expanding indigenous capability in defence will be significant in boosting the self-confidence of the Armed Forces in defence preparedness,” Singh said after the digital inauguration of the facility.
The digital inauguration was done through direct video link with the ministry of defence in New Delhi. Minister of state for defence Shripad Naik was present at GSL for the inauguration.
“The state of art steel preparation shop has been completed under Phase 3B of modernisation programme with installation of required machinery. The facility is ready for utilisation for plate and stiffener cutting and forming operations required for indigenous construction of the frigate project and other upcoming projects,” chairman and managing director of GSL, BB Nagpal, said.
To mark the Atmanirbhar week, GSL will launch a Coast Guard off-shore patrol vessel on August 13 and will follow it up by inking an agreement with IIT Goa on August 14. The memorandum of understanding with IIT Goa will explore Artificial Intelligence and other technology improvements in shipbuilding.
Goa Shipyard has successfully indigenised the gear boxes for off-shore patrol vessels, a critical propulsion system which has saved foreign exchange and is also a significant step towards self-reliance.