The Indian Navy has signed a contract for the construction and delivery of three 200-tonne Bottom Opening Non-Propelled Barges with M/s Suryadipta Projects Private Limited, Thane, an MSME shipyard. The agreement was concluded on January 16, 2026, marking another significant step towards strengthening indigenous shipbuilding and promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Boost to Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat
The barges are described as proud flag bearers of the Government of India’s flagship initiatives Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Their indigenous construction highlights the Indian Navy’s continued emphasis on:
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Domestic defence manufacturing
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Indigenous design and production
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Reduced dependence on foreign procurement
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Strengthening local industrial capability
All three barges will be built in accordance with the Classification Rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), ensuring quality, safety, and technical compliance with national maritime standards.
Strong Push for MSME Participation in Defence Shipbuilding
By awarding this contract to an MSME shipyard, the Indian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to encouraging and supporting the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSEs) in the defence sector.
This move is expected to:
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Strengthen the domestic shipbuilding ecosystem
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Generate skilled employment
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Promote innovation in indigenous maritime platforms
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Support long-term industrial capacity building
Aligned with Maritime India Vision 2030
The contract also aligns closely with the national framework of Maritime India Vision 2030, which aims to enhance India’s maritime infrastructure, boost indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, and establish India as a global maritime hub.
Through such initiatives, the Navy continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing self-reliant defence manufacturing and sustainable maritime development.
Conclusion
The signing of the contract for three Bottom Opening Non-Propelled Barges reflects the Indian Navy’s strategic focus on indigenisation, MSME empowerment, and ecosystem development. It reinforces the country’s broader vision of building a resilient, self-reliant, and globally competitive maritime industry.
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Source: PIB
