Tenders have been floated for preparing the Master Plan and Detailed Project Report for NIRDESH- National Institute for Research in Defence Ship building at Chaliyam near Kozhikode.

Mazagon Docks Limted (MDL), the Mumbai Defence Shipyard have floated the tenders, a Defence press release said here today.

The selected consultant would be required to prepare a Master Plan for the entire site and Detailed Project Report (DPR) to set up the first phase of infrastructure.

The Plan would be prepared in such a manner that Nirdesh grows into an environment- friendly, green campus, without disturbing the livelihood of nearby villagers.

Role specific parks would be set up at Chaliyam, for efficient functioning of Nirdesh. Infrastructure in these parks are planned to be set up in three phases. The first phase will be completed in about three years, subject to statutory clearances, the release said.

Even as the infrastructure plans for NIRDESH are progressing at a fast clip, the Institute conducted its first course for shipyard engineers in March this year at its premises. Its Executive Committee has also approved an R&D project of developing an underwater robot in collaboration with IIT, Mumbai