INS Surat to Berth at Hazira Port: A Historic Moment for Surat Residents

Surat : The people of Surat are in for a historic and emotional moment as the Indian Navy has confirmed that INS Surat, the warship named after the city, will be docked at Hazira Port for public viewing. This development follows an appeal from the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) to allow Surat residents to witness the majestic warship up close. The Navy has agreed to berth the warship at Hazira Port between February 7 and February 14, 2025, marking a significant event in the city’s maritime history.

Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, responded positively to a letter from SGCCI President Vijay Mewavala, stating that the warship would be available for a port visit during the specified dates. The letter highlighted the importance of strengthening the connection between INS Surat and its namesake city. Sobti noted that the commissioning of INS Surat is a tribute to the rich maritime traditions of Surat, which has a long history of shipbuilding and trade, dating back to the 16th and 18th centuries when ships built in the city were renowned for their durability and craftsmanship.

INS Surat is a part of the Indian Navy’s prestigious Project 15-B, under which four state-of-the-art guided-missile destroyers have been built. The project follows the naval policy of naming warships after prominent coastal cities and ports in India. INS Surat is the fourth and final ship under this initiative, following INS Visakhapatnam, INS Paradip, and INS Imphal. Although INS Surat is planned to be deployed at Visakhapatnam, the Navy has recognized the significance of allowing Surat’s residents to witness their city’s namesake warship firsthand.

The announcement has sparked excitement among Surat’s residents and industry leaders. SGCCI President Vijay Mewavala emphasized that the warship’s visit to Surat will further solidify the city’s deep connection with India’s maritime legacy. The Indian Navy’s public relations officer previously mentioned in an event in Surat that efforts would be made to allow residents to view the warship near Hazira, and the confirmation of the visit has now turned that promise into a reality.

INS Surat is a formidable warship, boasting a displacement of 7,400 tons. It is 163 meters (553 feet) in length, with a beam of 17.4 meters (57 feet) and a draft of 6.5 meters (21 feet). It is powered by a 9,900 HP diesel engine and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 56 kilometers per hour (30 knots). The ship is designed to accommodate 50 naval officers and 250 sailors and is equipped with advanced weaponry, including Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, BrahMos missiles, and RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers. Additionally, the warship features a flight deck and a helicopter hangar, enhancing its operational capabilities.

The decision to name INS Surat after the city aligns with the Indian Navy’s policy of honoring India’s rich maritime history. Surat has been a significant center for trade and shipbuilding for centuries, and this recognition underscores its enduring importance in India’s naval defense framework. The warship’s visit to Hazira will allow thousands of Surat residents, including students, defense enthusiasts, and industry professionals, to witness the might of the Indian Navy up close.

As the date of INS Surat’s arrival at Hazira approaches, anticipation continues to build in the city. The event is expected to draw large crowds eager to see the warship in person, fostering a sense of pride and admiration for India’s naval prowess.