Quick Summary: Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) has secured a record ₹467.25 crore order from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) to build two Coastal Research Vessels for the Geological Survey of India. The ships, equipped with advanced scientific labs and eco-friendly propulsion, will enhance India’s maritime research and exploration capabilities. This order marks the largest contract for TRSL’s Shipbuilding and Maritime Systems division.
Full Article: Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), through its Shipbuilding and Maritime Systems (SMS) division, has secured its largest-ever contract worth ₹467.25 crore from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) for the construction of two Coastal Research Vessels (CRVs) intended for the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
The order, comprising ₹445 crore plus ₹22.25 crore in GST, involves the design, construction, trials, and delivery of the specialized vessels. The CRVs are expected to significantly strengthen India’s maritime research capabilities by facilitating seabed geology studies, mineral exploration, environmental monitoring, and offshore mapping.
According to the company, the vessels will feature advanced technology, including eco-friendly electric propulsion systems, 360-degree rotatable thrusters, and DP1 dynamic positioning for precise manoeuvring. Designed for a 30-year service life, each vessel will operate within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone, covering depths from 5 to 1,000 meters. The ships will also be equipped with 22 types of scientific equipment across three laboratories, enabling real-time data analysis and research.
Umesh Chowdhary, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of TRSL, said the order reflects the company’s strong partnership with GRSE and underscores its role in advancing India’s maritime infrastructure. He highlighted that TRSL has previously delivered over 35 vessels, including research and defense-support ships, and noted that the contract aligns with government initiatives such as the National Shipbuilding Mission and the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy.
Beyond technical capabilities, the vessels are also being designed with comfortable accommodation and recreational facilities to support long-duration missions for scientists and crew.
The contract comes as TRSL prepares to expand its shipbuilding business through a dedicated subsidiary, Titagarh Naval Systems, which will operate a new automated shipyard at Falta near Kolkata. The facility is expected to handle vessels up to 180 meters in length with an annual capacity of 12–16 ships.