IndiaPosted at: Nov 11 2026 5:58PM


INS Betwa to shed steam power for diesel engines in Rs 499-Cr modernisation drive

New Delhi, Nov 11 (UNI) In a significant step towards modernising its existing fleet and strengthening indigenous warship maintenance capabilities, the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday signed a contract worth Rs 498.58 crore with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the normal refit and re-powering of the Indian Navy's Brahmaputra-class guided-missile frigate INS Betwa.
The contract was signed in the national capital in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The project envisages a major transformation of the warship's propulsion architecture, with its existing steam-based propulsion system being replaced by a diesel-engine-based system.
The refit will also include an upgrade of its combat capabilities through the installation of a modernised weapon suite, aimed at enhancing the frigate's operational effectiveness. The propulsion conversion is significant as it involves a complex engineering transformation of an existing frontline naval platform rather than merely replacing or upgrading individual components.
The project is expected to strengthen India's indigenous capabilities in specialised warship repair, maintenance and modernisation, particularly in undertaking technically challenging propulsion-system conversions.
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 Defence Ministry said the initiative would provide a major impetus to the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India programmes while reinforcing the country's capacity to undertake complex naval ship-repair and maintenance projects indigenously.
INS Betwa (F 39) is a Brahmaputra-class guided-missile frigate built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
Commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 7, 2004, the warship is named after the Betwa river. It is the second vessel of the three-ship Brahmaputra class, the other two being INS Brahmaputra and INS Beas.
Approximately 126 metres long, with a displacement of around 3,850 tonnes, INS Betwa was originally equipped with a steam-based propulsion system and is capable of attaining speeds of over 30 knots.
The Brahmaputra-class frigates are designed for multiple maritime operations, including anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. Their weapon and sensor systems include surface-to-surface missiles, air-defence systems, guns, torpedo launchers and anti-submarine warfare equipment.
The ships are also equipped to operate naval helicopters, extending their surveillance and operational reach. The frigate has been part of several important naval operations during its service.
It participated in Operation Sukoon in 2006, the Indian Navy's evacuation mission to bring Indian nationals back from conflict-hit Lebanon. One of the most serious incidents in its service history occurred on December 5, 2016, when INS Betwa toppled onto its port side while being undocked at the Mumbai Naval Dockyard during a refit. The accident resulted in the deaths of two naval personnel and left 15 others injured.
The Navy subsequently undertook an extensive salvage and restoration exercise, with the vessel brought upright in February 2017. After major repairs, the frigate was restored to operational condition and re-dedicated to the nation in May 2018.
UNI PWS RN
Tags: #INS Betwa to shed steam power for diesel engines in Rs 499-Cr modernisation drive
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