Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Lands Major Deal with NHIDCL

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) announced that it has achieved a significant milestone by securing a landmark agreement with the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL). The agreement is for the fabrication, supply, and launch of Double-Lane Class 70 modular steel and Bailey bridges.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr Krishan Kumar, IAS, Managing Director of NHIDCL, and Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director of GRSE, with the presence of Shri Anshu Manish Khalkho, IDAS (Director, A&F) from NHIDCL, DIG Subrato Ghosh, ICG (Retd.) (Director, Personnel) from GRSE, and other senior officers from both organisations.

This landmark agreement involves the construction and delivery of Class 70R Double-Lane Bridges, specifically designed by GRSE to improve connectivity in strategic forward areas along India’s borders, facilitating the smooth deployment of troops and equipment.

The Double-Lane Steel Bridge developed by GRSE is unique as it is the only indigenous solution of its kind, aligning with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. GRSE has previously supplied 44 such bridges across India under a similar MoU with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), with the first bridge inaugurated at Flaghill, Dokalam, Sikkim, at an altitude of 11,000 feet on December 28, 2021, by Hon’ble Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh.

These bridges feature a carriageway width of 7.5 meters, allowing for two-way traffic in compliance with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) specifications. Constructed from high tensile Grade E-410 steel, they offer exceptional strength, durability, and performance in low temperatures. The galvanised finish ensures minimal maintenance and extended service life. With a Load Class IRC 70R, they support the movement of wheeled and tracked vehicles up to 100/70 MT. The modular design facilitates easier transportation of bridge components to remote locations and allows for rapid assembly within 30 to 45 days.

In August 2022, GRSE earned the distinction of being the sole Indian organisation to receive Green Channel Certification for Portable Steel Bridges (Bailey Type) from the Indian Army.

GRSE’s Portable Steel Bridge Division has made substantial strides in innovation through extensive research and development, delivering over 5,700 portable steel bridges to various entities, including the Indian Army, Border Roads Organisation, NHIDCL, State Public Works Departments, and the Central Government.

These versatile bridges, initially intended for disaster management, have also gained international acclaim and are exported to nations such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.