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Mr. Umesh Chowdhary, VC and MD, Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd

Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), a leading Indian rolling stock and engineering solutions provider, through its Shipbuilding and Maritime Systems (SMS) Division, has secured its single largest order to date, valued at ₹445 crore, plus ₹22.25 crore towards GST, aggregating to a total order value of ₹467.25 crore, from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) for the construction, trials, and delivery of two Coastal Research Vessels (CRVs) for the Geological Survey of India (GSI).

The new CRVs will play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s maritime research infrastructure by enabling advanced studies on seabed geology, oceanic resources, and environmental sustainability. Designed to support real-time analyses and long-duration research missions, the vessels will empower Indian scientists with enhanced capabilities for offshore geological mapping, mineral exploration, ocean environment monitoring, and shipboard scientific analysis.

Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) brings decades of engineering excellence to the maritime sector, delivering advanced vessels designed to meet specialized needs. One of the key milestones has been the successful construction and delivery of Coastal Research Vessels for the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), supporting vital oceanographic and scientific missions. Notably, this vessel was showcased at the 12th Presidential Fleet Review—an exceptional honor, as it is rare for a non-defense ship to participate in such a prestigious event. Building on this proud legacy, TRSL continues to reinforce its reputation as a trusted partner in India’s shipbuilding and maritime innovation sector.

Commenting on this milestone order, Shri Umesh Chowdhary, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, said: “We are honoured to partner with GRSE in delivering these highly specialized Coastal Research Vessels for the Geological Survey of India. This contract is yet another testament to Titagarh’s strong relationship with GRSE through construction and delivery of strategic asset like ICGS Kamla Devi (FPV) and inter government cooperation project MV Ma Lisha (Cargo RoPax) for Cooperative Republic of Guyana, these projects reflect our joint commitment to strengthening the nation’s maritime infrastructure through close collaboration. This order also stands as a testimony to the trust placed in our shipbuilding and maritime systems capabilities, reaffirming our commitment to delivering world-class vessels that advance India’s strategic priorities in maritime research as well as sustainability. TRSL has a proven track record, having successfully delivered 35+ vessels, further underscoring our capability in delivering complex maritime assets. As a trusted Indian brand, we take great pride in contributing to the Government’s vision of Maritime Infrastructure Development to boost India’s domestic shipbuilding and maritime ecosystem. In alignment with the Government’s shipbuilding initiatives such as the National Shipbuilding Mission, Maritime Development Fund (MDF), and the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy, Titagarh remains committed to supporting the PM’s vision of positioning India as a global shipbuilding hub. Through innovation, skill development, and self-reliance, we aim to drive economic growth while contributing to the strengthening of the nation’s maritime research ecosystem.”

Each CRV is being constructed to operate within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in depths ranging from 5 to 1000 meters. Built with a service life of 30 years, the vessels will comply with all Indian and international maritime standards, the ships will be equipped with eco-friendly electric propulsion systems, 360-degree rotatable thrusters, and DP1 dynamic positioning technology to ensure safe, smooth, and precise manoeuvring at sea. Onboard, the CRVs will house 22 types of advanced scientific equipment within three modern laboratories, offering state-of-the-art facilities for data processing and sample analysis.

Beyond scientific infrastructure, the vessels are also designed to provide a supportive environment for life at sea. Spacious and ergonomic accommodation, along with well-designed recreation facilities, will ensure a comfortable living and working experience for scientists and crew, allowing them to focus on their critical missions.

This landmark contract marks a defining achievement for TRSL’s SMS Division and underscores the company’s growing role as a trusted partner in advancing India’s shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure sector.