In a major boost to India’s maritime capabilities, the Indian Navy has received its fourth and final Survey Vessel (Large) – INS Sanshodhak on 30 March 2026 from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata.
This milestone marks the successful completion of the Navy’s four-ship Survey Vessel (Large) (SVL) project, significantly enhancing India’s ability to conduct hydrographic surveys, maritime mapping, and oceanographic research across strategic waters.
Completion of the Survey Vessel (Large) Project
INS Sanshodhak (Yard 3028) is the last vessel in the SVL series, following:
- INS Sandhayak (commissioned February 2024)
- INS Nirdeshak (commissioned December 2024)
- INS Ikshak (commissioned November 2025)
The contract for these vessels was signed on 30 October 2018, with GRSE entrusted with the design execution and construction. The completion of all four ships reflects India’s growing strength in indigenous warship building and project execution.
Advanced Hydrographic and Survey Capabilities
INS Sanshodhak has been designed to support a wide range of maritime operations, including:
- Coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys
- Mapping of port channels and harbour approaches
- Identification of safe navigation routes
- Collection of oceanographic and geophysical data
These capabilities are essential not only for naval operations but also for commercial shipping, port development, and maritime safety.
Cutting-Edge Equipment and Technology
The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic and survey systems, enabling precise and high-resolution data collection. Key onboard technologies include:
- Advanced Data Acquisition and Processing Systems
- Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)
- Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)
- DGPS-based long-range positioning systems
- Digital Side Scan Sonar
Such advanced equipment ensures enhanced accuracy in seabed mapping and underwater analysis, strengthening India’s maritime domain awareness.
Technical Specifications of INS Sanshodhak
- Displacement: Approx. 3,400 tonnes
- Length: 110 metres
- Speed: Over 18 knots
- Propulsion: Twin diesel engines
The vessel has undergone extensive harbour acceptance trials and sea trials to validate its operational performance before delivery.
Indigenisation and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ Push
INS Sanshodhak boasts an indigenisation level of over 80%, highlighting India’s rapid progress toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Construction Timeline:
- Keel Laid: June 2022
- Launched: June 2023
- Delivered: March 2026
The project showcases successful collaboration between:
- Indian shipyards (GRSE)
- Government agencies
- MSMEs and domestic suppliers
This aligns with the national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence production.
Strategic Importance for India’s Maritime Security
The induction of INS Sanshodhak significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s ability to:
- Conduct precision hydrographic surveys in Indian and international waters
- Support naval operations and mission planning
- Improve navigation safety for both defence and civilian vessels
- Strengthen India’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
Hydrographic capabilities are a critical enabler for modern naval operations, especially in an era of multi-domain maritime challenges.
Conclusion
The delivery of INS Sanshodhak marks the successful completion of a strategically important naval project. It reinforces India’s capabilities in hydrography, maritime intelligence, and oceanographic research, while also demonstrating the strength of its indigenous shipbuilding ecosystem.
As the Indian Navy continues to modernize, platforms like INS Sanshodhak will play a vital role in ensuring operational readiness, maritime safety, and regional stability.