In news
Himgiri’, the first of the three Project 17A ships being built at M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata was launched
Project 17A
- Under the Project 17A program, a total of seven ships, four at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and three ships at GRSE are being built with enhanced stealth features, advanced indigenous weapon and sensor fit along with several other improvements.
- Since its inception, Project 17A has upheld India’s vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Project 17A ships are sourcing 80% of the material/ equipment required for the project from indigenous vendors and with employment generation for over 2000 Indian firms and MSMEs within the country.
- P17A ships are the first gas turbine propulsion and largest combat platforms ever built at GRSE, which has emerged as a leading shipyard having built over 100 ships.
- The construction is being done in two locations, Mumbai based MDL (four) and Kolkota based GRSE (three ships) concurrently.
Significance
The launch symbolizes the birth of the ship as she makes her first contact with water and it is done in true maritime traditions — with the application of vermillion, breaking of coconut on the ship’s bow and the chanting of Vedic mantras.
Source: PIB
