By IANS,
New Delhi : There is a delay in the modernisation of Mumbai-based Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL) and the construction of warships there but the two issues are not linked, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said Wednesday.
“There have been initial delays in modernisation programme of MDL. However, the delay in modernisation programme has not contributed directly to the delay in ongoing warship construction projects,” Antony said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
The MDL modernisation was launched in 2009 at a cost of Rs.826 crore and was scheduled to be completed in 2011.
The ship-builder is constructing three Shivalik class frigates under Project 17 at a cost of Rs.7,800 crore and three Kolkata class destroyers under Project 15A at a cost of Rs.8,459 crore, apart from six Scorpene submarines under Project 75 at a cost of Rs.23,562 crore.
Antony said the main reasons for the delay in MDL’s modernisation programme included the ship-builder’s not being able to create a modular shop, a cradle shop, a wet basin and stores primarily because of non-availability of land, want of permission from the Mumbai Port Trust and lack of adequate funds in the initial stage.
He said a Goliath Crane, which was tendered in June 2005 and August 2006, had to be re-tendered for the third time in January 2007 due to non-availability of contractors who could meet the pre-qualification requirements. The contract was finally signed on Aug 6, 2009.
The tender for the wet basin was issued in August 2006. However, the single qualified bid could not be accepted due to its high price. It was re-tendered in June 2007 and the contract was placed only in August 2008.
Building and ancillary works were tendered in December 2006, but the single bid received did not meet the qualification criteria. Subsequently, it was re-tendered and the letter of acceptance was issued in June 2009, Antony added.
“Stealth frigate (Project 17) and destroyers (Project 15A) projects are running behind schedule due to delays in supply of high quality steel for warships and delay in finalisation and delivery of major weapons, sensors and propulsion system through indigenous and foreign sources,” he said.
Two out of three stealth frigates — INS Shivalik and INS Satpura — have been delivered and the third — INS Sahyadri — is scheduled to be delivered in the current fiscal that ends March 31, 2012.
“All efforts and remedial measures have been taken to expedite early delivery of systems and equipment in respect of Destroyers Project 15A (Kolkata class),” he said.
“There are no cost overruns due to the delay in completion of projects and hence no loss to government,” Antony added.
He also noted that warship construction projects at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) and the newly-acquired Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Vishakapatnam too were behind schedule.
“Construction of 53,000 deadweight tonne bulk carrier, inshore patrol vessel, bollard pull tug are behind schedule due to design issues, receipt of material and productivity on account of aging infrastructure” at the HSL, the minister said.
“There is a delay in construction of naval offshore patrol vessels (NOPV) primarily due to failure on the part of the nominated indigenous supplier to deliver the gearboxes,” at GSL.
The gearboxes have been ordered from an original equipment manufacturer and the firs gearbox is scheduled to be delivered by early next month, which will enable delivery of the first NOPV by November 2012, followed by the remaining three NOPVs at an interval of six months each.