Article Posted on : - Apr 23, 2013

48.016-metre IPV. Photo: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers.

NEW DELHI (BNS): The Indian Coast Guard has commissioned 'Rajdoot' the sixth in the series of eight Inshore Patrol Vessels, in Kolkatta.

The Ministry of Defence said in a statement that the fifty-metre IPV, designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata, displaces 300 tons and can achieve a maximum speed of 34 knots.

The ship is capable of undertaking multifarious tasks such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue and medical evacuation. It is fitted with state-of-the art communication and navigation equipment like Integrated Bridge Management System and 30 mm CRN-91 gun as main armament.

ICGS 'Rajdoot' which means 'Royal Messenger' will be based at New Mangalore under Coast Guard Region (West). The ship will enhance the Indian Coast Guard's capability to undertake operations to further Maritime and Coastal Security on the Western Seaboard.

Rajdoot is commanded by Commandant Anupam Rai and has a crew of five officers and 30 personnel. With the commissioning of Rajdoot, the force level of ICG has gone up to 82 ships and boats.

The commissioning ceremony on Monday was attended by Arunava Dutt, the Controller General of Defence Accounts, Inspector General KC Pande, Commander Coast Guard Region (North East) and Central and State Government dignitaries.