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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/..._not_wait_for_busy_PM/articleshow/1548119.cms
MUMBAI: Mazagon dock, India's premiere warship building centre that is over 200 years old, has done something revolutionary while inaugurating a new project, considering that it is a government-run organisation. For the first time it has decided not to wait for VIPs to bless the new programme and instead adhered to its original schedule.
The plan relates to the construction of the six French-assisted Scorpene submarines at the dock's East Yard. Since it was a prestigious programme, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was scheduled to formally inaugurate it in the middle of December 2006.
Preparations were on in full throttle for the VVIP's visit. But, to the disappointment of the dock officials, a few days before the inauguration, they were informed that Singh would not be able to make it as he had other engagements.
The question then was whether to reschedule the inauguration or wait for the Prime Minister? Keeping in mind the importance of the submarine project and the needs of the Indian Navy, dock officials decided to cut the first metal of the submarine according to the original plan, but without the usual fanfare which accompanies the visits of VIPs.
A senior dock executive said: "This is the first time that we inaugurated a new project without the presence of a VVIP or the media."
At one point the possibility of inviting defence minister A K Anthony to inaugurate the submarine project was also explored. But, since the PMO has not officially turned down the invitation even after one-and-a-half months, the dock could not approach Anthony.
The programme envisages the first of the six submarines being handed over to the Indian Navy in 2012. Thereafter, one submarine will be commissioned to the navy each year.
The total cost of the project is Rs 13,000 crores and there is an option for six more submarines.
These submarines have a radical new design with reduced sound emissions which enables the vessels to strike at long distances without detection. It is equipped with a hi-tech combat management system.
MUMBAI: Mazagon dock, India's premiere warship building centre that is over 200 years old, has done something revolutionary while inaugurating a new project, considering that it is a government-run organisation. For the first time it has decided not to wait for VIPs to bless the new programme and instead adhered to its original schedule.
The plan relates to the construction of the six French-assisted Scorpene submarines at the dock's East Yard. Since it was a prestigious programme, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was scheduled to formally inaugurate it in the middle of December 2006.
Preparations were on in full throttle for the VVIP's visit. But, to the disappointment of the dock officials, a few days before the inauguration, they were informed that Singh would not be able to make it as he had other engagements.
The question then was whether to reschedule the inauguration or wait for the Prime Minister? Keeping in mind the importance of the submarine project and the needs of the Indian Navy, dock officials decided to cut the first metal of the submarine according to the original plan, but without the usual fanfare which accompanies the visits of VIPs.
A senior dock executive said: "This is the first time that we inaugurated a new project without the presence of a VVIP or the media."
At one point the possibility of inviting defence minister A K Anthony to inaugurate the submarine project was also explored. But, since the PMO has not officially turned down the invitation even after one-and-a-half months, the dock could not approach Anthony.
The programme envisages the first of the six submarines being handed over to the Indian Navy in 2012. Thereafter, one submarine will be commissioned to the navy each year.
The total cost of the project is Rs 13,000 crores and there is an option for six more submarines.
These submarines have a radical new design with reduced sound emissions which enables the vessels to strike at long distances without detection. It is equipped with a hi-tech combat management system.
