GRSE Set for Navratna Status With DPE Approval

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) is on the brink of earning Navratna status, after the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) cleared the key proposal this week, officials said.

This marks a major step forward for the Kolkata‑based defense shipyard, which now awaits final approval from the government’s highest decision‑making panel.

The plan to elevate GRSE to Navratna was sent to the DPE by the Department of Defense Production last month and reviewed by an inter‑ministerial committee. With the DPE’s approval secured, the proposal moves to the apex committee that grants the final green light. “The proposal has now been cleared from our end and will be placed before an apex committee for final approval,” a senior official said.

Also Read: Synthetic Engine Oils Optimizing Friction, Wear, and Fuel Economy

Navratna status gives a company wider freedom to spend on expansion, form joint ventures and compete for big contracts without frequent government sign‑offs. It’s a prized designation in India’s public sector landscape, currently held by 27 enterprises, and reflects confidence in GRSE’s performance and growth potential.

CLICK HERE TO CATCH THE LATEST INDUSTRY STORIES

GRSE builds advanced vessels for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard as part of India’s defense infrastructure. The shipyard reported a 39 % rise in total income for the fiscal year 2025, with ₹5,411 crore in revenue, and saw a 46 % year‑on‑year jump in income in the December quarter.

If the final nod comes through, GRSE will gain greater autonomy to make strategic decisions and bid for larger, more complex projects. It would also reinforce India’s push to strengthen its indigenous defense manufacturing base and deepen its role in global shipbuilding.