Rajnath Singh, Suvendu Adhikari Launch ₹3,500-Crore Defence Expansion Projects in West Bengal

Kolkata, August 23, 2026: Defence manufacturing and shipbuilding in West Bengal received a major boost as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari virtually performed the Bhumi Pujan for five expansion projects of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and *Yantra India Limited (YIL). The projects, involving an investment of approximately *₹3,500 crore**, are aimed at strengthening India’s indigenous shipbuilding, ship repair, metallurgical and defence production capabilities.

The projects are expected to generate significant employment opportunities while creating new business prospects for MSMEs and ancillary industries in West Bengal. Rajnath Singh said the initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India and Make for the World, particularly in the strategic defence sector.

GRSE Expansion to Strengthen Shipbuilding

GRSE’s expansion covers facilities at *Kidderpore in Kolkata, Shalimar in Howrah and Raichak in South 24-Parganas. The Raichak project, involving an investment of more than *₹2,500 crore**, is planned as a major shipbuilding hub capable of constructing warships up to 200 metres long and commercial vessels of up to 60,000 tonnes.

The Shalimar facility is expected to receive nearly ₹100 crore for redevelopment into a shipbuilding and repair facility, while around ₹70 crore will be invested at the Damodar facility near Kidderpore for medium-vessel repairs, electric ferries and small craft manufacturing.

YIL Projects to Boost Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

At *Metal and Steel Factory, Ishapore, YIL’s two projects involve a combined investment of more than *₹750 crore*. A new *3,000-tonne Heavy Duty Hydraulic Open Die Forging Press will replace an ageing 2,650-tonne press installed in 1976. The facility is expected to support high-precision production of gun barrels, ammunition components and heavy defence forgings.

A new Radial Forging Plant, costing ₹473.84 crore, will further strengthen India’s capacity to manufacture specialised defence, railway and nuclear-sector components while introducing advanced Industry 4.0 technology.

India Eyes Global Shipbuilding Opportunity

Rajnath Singh highlighted the emerging global *“Capacity Paradox”, with demand for naval and commercial vessels increasing while traditional shipbuilding nations face declining capacity. He said India has an opportunity to emerge as a *global shipbuilding hub by combining its engineering talent, skilled workforce, steel industry and MSME ecosystem with modern technology.

The Defence Minister also called for India to develop a stronger ship repair and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) ecosystem in the Indian Ocean Region, which could help save foreign exchange and create thousands of jobs.