(a) whether the crucial projects of the Navy are running behind schedule as reported in
the ‘Times of India’ dated November 11, 2007;
(b) if so, the facts thereof and the factors responsible for such projects running behind
schedule;
(c) whether any responsibility has been fixed in this regard; and
(d) if so, the steps taken by the Government to complete such projects in time?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) The overall progress of repair and re-equipping of the ship, ex-Admiral Gorshkov, in
Russia is slow.
(b) The Russian side has submitted a revised Master Schedule indicating a delay in the
project. The Russian side has attributed the delays to “Growth of Workâ€.
(c) The question of fixing responsibility does not arise at this stage.
(d) In order to supervise the project for repair and re-equipping of the aircraft carrier
Vikramaditya (earlier called Admiral Gorshkov), an apex level committee under Defence Secretary
and a Steering Committee under a Vice Admiral have been set up. A team has also been stationed
at the shipyard where the repair and re-equipping work is going on. From time to time, teams
comprising senior officers are also sent to monitor progress of the project. The matters are
also taken up between the two countries at appropriate level.