Ministry of Defence
Rajnath Singh Lays Foundation Stone for Five Expansion Projects of GRSE and Yantra India
Projects worth nearly Rs 3,500 crore to augment defence manufacturing capabilities, strengthen shipbuilding ecosystem and boost industrial growth in West Bengal
प्रविष्टि तिथि:
23 AUG 2026 3:44PM by PIB Kolkata
Kolkata, August 23, 2026
Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh today virtually laid the foundation stone for five brownfield expansion projects of Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and Yantra India Limited (YIL) in West Bengal. West Bengal Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari was also present on the occasion. The five projects, comprising three projects of GRSE and two facilities of YIL, involve an investment of nearly Rs. 3,500 crore.
Addressing on the occasion, Defence Minister stressed the need for self-reliance in the construction of warships, offshore vessels and other maritime platforms, describing Aatmanirbharta as vital for the security of the country. He emphasised the importance of quality assurance, timely delivery and high-quality maintenance and refit services to strengthen India’s capabilities and enable the country to emerge as a global shipbuilding hub.
The Minister said, India has the capability to become a global shipbuilding hub, particularly at a time when significant opportunities are emerging in the global shipbuilding sector. He called for leveraging these opportunities to expand India’s shipbuilding capacity, strengthen domestic manufacturing and further advance self-reliance in defence production. He noted that the Indian Armed Forces are increasingly relying on indigenous defence products, reflecting the growing capabilities of the country’s domestic defence industry.
Highlighting the contribution of GRSE, Shri Singh said, the company has delivered more than 100 vessels in recent years and has the potential to play a leading role in India’s future shipbuilding ambitions. He also noted that GRSE is building a cargo vessel for Germany, underlining the growing global recognition of India’s shipbuilding capabilities.
Shri Singh also lauded the contribution of Yantra India Limited, a Miniratna Category-I DPSU, towards strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing. He said YIL is expanding beyond traditional defence production and undertaking research and development, including advanced metallurgical activities, which will contribute to reducing import dependence and strengthening strategic manufacturing capabilities.
The Defence Minister said, the projects mark a significant step towards a new phase of industrial development in West Bengal. He noted that the launch of new industrial projects is creating fresh opportunities for investment, employment and economic growth and reflects a positive transformation in the State’s industrial landscape. He also appreciated the cooperation extended by the Government of West Bengal in matters relating to internal security and expressed confidence that the State would witness a new renaissance of development.
The three GRSE projects will augment the shipyard’s manufacturing capacity and infrastructure to meet the growing requirements of the Maritime Forces and other defence and maritime stakeholders. As part of its capacity expansion, GRSE has signed lease agreements with Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) for two small shipyards on either bank of the Hooghly, along with a 32-acre riverside property at Raichak. These facilities will enhance GRSE’s capabilities in warship construction and refit, besides construction and repair of small and medium-sized commercial vessels.
The Bhumi Pujan ceremonies for the projects were conducted simultaneously at Kidderpore, Shalimar, Raichak and Ishapore in West Bengal.
At YIL’s Metal and Steel Factory, Ishapore, two facilities involving a combined investment of over Rs. 750 crore will strengthen indigenous metallurgical and defence manufacturing capabilities. Equipped with Industry 4.0 and energy-efficient technologies, these facilities will enhance high-end manufacturing, reduce import dependence and support the defence, railway and strategic sectors.
Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari, speaking on the occasion, highlighted the importance of Centre-State cooperation in accelerating the development of West Bengal and expressed confidence that enhanced cooperation would contribute to the State’s industrial and economic growth.
The expansion projects are expected to generate employment, create greater opportunities for ancillary industries, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and strengthen the defence manufacturing ecosystem in West Bengal. The initiatives reaffirm the Government’s commitment to expanding domestic defence manufacturing capacity, strengthening maritime infrastructure and fostering a robust industrial ecosystem in line with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
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