INS Eksila
Historical Background
The idea of creating indigenous marine gas turbine overhaul facility was conceived in the early eighties. It was decided to create a composite, self contained gas turbine overhauling facility to be manned by service personnel which would not only cater for M3 gas turbines but for future acquisitions as well. The government sanction for the same was accorded in Sep 1984. The foundation stone was laid by Vice Admiral SC Chopra PVSM, AVSM, NM the then Flag Officer Commanding – in – Chief, Eastern Naval Command on 25 Aug 1988. The establishment was inaugurated as Marine Gas Turbine Overhaul Centre by Admiral L Ramdas PVSM, AVSM, Vr C, VSM, ADC , the then Chief of Naval Staff, on 22 Oct 1991. The inauguration of the establishment was a milestone in Indian Navy's efforts towards self - reliance.
The establishment was commissioned as full fledged Indian Naval Ship by Her Excellency Justice Ms. M. Fatima Beevi, Governor of Tamil Nadu, on 26 Aug 2000.
The name “EKSILA" is derived from "EKASILA NAGARAMU" (present day WARANGAL) which was the capital of Andhra region during Kakatiya Dynasty. The city was built during the reign of King Rudra Deva who ruled during 1158 - 1198 AD. The name symbolises a single rock hillock called "Ekasila" around which the Warangal fort was built by King Ganapathy Deva of the legendary Kakatiya Dynasty.
Functions / Role
The establishment has traversed a long and illustrious journey through the past twenty years since its inception. The primary role and function of INS Eksila is to undertake major overhaul of Marine Gas Turbines (GTs) and Gas Turbine Generators (GTGs) installed onboard Indian Naval Ships, including future acquisitions. The first overhauled Gas Turbine (M3E) rolled out of the portals of this unique facility in Aug 1995 and was installed on board INS Ranvir. The first indigenously overhauled GTG (gas turbine generator) prime mover underwent successful test bed trials in Dec 1996. The establishment now has the cumulative experience of overhauling more than 66 Gas Turbines (34 M3E GTs, 26 1250 E GTGs, 03 1250 2E GTG, 01 M15 CGT, 01 M15 CRG).
INS Eksila is also tasked with the following responsibilities :-
Conduct of GT Symposium
Conduct of Gas Turbine Symposium
Annual Marine Gas Turbine Maintenance Symposium, “Emerging Trends / Innovations in Marine Gas Turbine Maintenance Technology" was conducted on 19 Apr 12. The symposium was the first ever being conducted on GT maintenance and by INS Eksila focusing on emerging trends in GT maintenance including in-situ maintenance. The symposium received overwhelming response from Navy, private industries, research establishments etc and was well appreciated by all. The OEMs of marine Gas Turbines, M/s Rolls-Royce, UK, M/s GE, USA and M/s Zorya Mashproekt, Ukraine participated & presented their papers during the symposium.
GTMC 2012 and DMC 2012
The overall co-ordination of the GTMC 12 was undertaken by INS Eksila in Mar 2012 under the aegis of HQENC. The meeting was attended by delegates from all the commands and IHQ MoD (N). The co-ordination and the arrangements were appreciated by all delegates and the Chief Guest.
Management of Naval Officers Institute (V)
Naval Officers Institute, Visakhapatnam provides various recreational facilities to the Officers and their dependants. The institute is managed by INS Eksila and functioning includes conduct of various events like Navy Ball
Major Achievements
M 15 Cruise Gas Turbine
First ever successful overhaul of M15 cruise gas turbines without OEM assistance in the history of Indian Navy. The permission for overhaul was accorded in 1989. Till 2008 no major progress was made on overhauling front due to certain constraints like non availability of tools, special test stands etc. In 2008 Eksila took the bold decision to overhaul the gas turbines without OEM assistance and all the constraints were overcome by in- house efforts.
- M 15 Cruise Gas Turbine
- Maiden Overhaul of GTG 1250 2EM 15 Cruise Gas Turbine
- Maiden Overhaul of GTG 1250 2E
INS Eksila has crossed a significant milestone by completing the maiden overhaul of GTG 1250 2E TC. The successful maiden major overhaul / repairs of GTG 1250 2E TC followed by successful test bed trials was completed in a record time of 2 ½ months. The overhaul was a well executed project considering the stringent timeline of 2 ½ months for delivery to Western Naval Command and the technical challenges faced during the maiden attempt of overhaul of this critical machine.
