A seminar with the central theme “Overhaul and Indigenisation of Marine Gas Turbines” and an Industrial Exhibition organised to commemorate the Silver Jubilee Year by INS Eksila were inaugurated by Vice Admiral HCS Bisht, AVSM, ADC, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command, , 05 October 2016. The seminar was attended by all the stake holders representing the Naval Headquarters, Indian Air Force, PSUs, Govt. Organisations and lead Industries in addition to erstwhile Commanding Officers of the unit. A photo essay book ‘Propelling Ahead’, a kaleidoscope tracing the glorious journey of twenty five years from MGTOC to INS Eksila, was also released by the Chief Guest on this momentous occasion.
Distinguished speakers from across the country shared their perspective of topics related to Gas Turbines during the seminar. The seminar saw lively discussions and yielded some takeaways towards partnerships between Industry and the Navy which could confront the future challenges for maintenance of Gas Turbines. The technical exhibition showcased the capability of over 20 lead industrial houses and provided a valuable opportunity to the industries to showcase their capability for development of indigenous substitutes in the field of Marine Gas Turbines, Hydraulic Systems, Sensors, Instrumentation and Controls, Support Systems for Ship based applications of Indian Navy. In consonance with the “Make in India” initiative of the Government of India, the industry representatives keenly engaged with naval personnel to understand their needs for indigenous substitutes.
Eksila, located at Gajuwaka, Visakhapatnam, is the only naval establishment in South East Asia where “Men in Uniform” undertake major overhaul of Marine Gas Turbines powering Naval Ships. The Unit has witnessed an exciting phase of transformation in the last two and a half decades since her inception as Marine Gas Turbine Overhaul Centre (MGTOC) on 22 October 1991. Significant strides have been made by the Unit in embracing contemporary cutting edge technologies in the field of Marine Gas Turbine maintenance, keeping in line with the Indian Navy’s commitment to ‘Self Reliance through Indigenisation’.
Eksila besides being a premier establishment of the Indian Navy on the Eastern Seaboard, has also been actively involved in Community Development and mentoring the neighbouring villages viz. Mulagada, Yedurivanipalem, Govdesivanipalem and Sriramnagar through conduct of periodical Eye Check up, Nutrition Awareness and Medical Health Camps in association with HQENC and other NGOs. As part of Silver Jubilee celebrations, a Blood Donation Camp and a nutritional awareness cum Health Camp with special emphasis on eye check up for the Children and adults of neighbouring villages were conducted.