EZHIMALA: The Indian Army has made its own contributions to making the Ezhimala Naval Academy what it is -- the biggest one of its kind in Asia.
The Corps of Engineers (CoE) is one of the oldest arms of the Army, dating way back to 1780.
True to its motto ‘Sarvatra’, the CoE has excelled in multifarious activities in war and peace.
The Military Engineering Service (MES), an important part of CoE, has played a crucial role in nationbuilding.
It provides cover not only to the three defence services but also helps with the civil works of Defence Research and Development Organisation, Coast Guard, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sanghathan and such other organisations.
A number of prestigious and time-bound projects have been completed over the years by the MES.
CoE (NAVAC) headed by Brig Sunil V Gaopande was given the heavy responsibility of handling the mega project at Ezhimala, arguably one of the most modern such academies.
Thus the fruition of the dreams of the Navy owes a lot to this team of engineers and builders. The project which was expected to take at least eight years has been on schedule despite starting the actual civil work only in 2002. This would have been impossible without the hard work and sustained efforts by CoE and its team of officers.
The deadline was met without compromising on quality or workmanship.
During the project’s execution, they put in place several new quality standards and construction management systems. In other words, a dedicated workforce using advanced technologies has given shape to a Naval Academy of world-class standards.
The main building of the academy can possibly rank with the most elegant buildings ever constructed for any academy or institution by a government agency.
The work was supervised by Major Manoj Sharma. Incidentally, Thursday’s main function will be held in this building. The officers’ mess and institute complex are being constructed by RDS Project Ltd., under the supervis ion of Lt Col Satyanarayan.
The Commandants House and a 64-bed hospital are being constructed by MAYTAS.
The married sailors’ accommodation is being constructed by NEC Ltd. and that for married officers by IVRCL.