Army plans tech-driven overhaul of 12 regional ordnance depots
Representative image (Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons.)
New Delhi: The Indian Army has sought industrial partners to modernize 12 regional ordnance depots (RODs), around six decades old, as it moves to upgrade the backend logistics system that receives, stores, manages and issues military equipment to field formations. An expression of interest (EOI) issued by the Directorate General of Ordnance Services at Army Headquarters seeks expertise in modern warehousing, automation, material handling, security, fire protection and telecommunications.
The depots form an important tier in the Army’s supply chain, provisioning, receiving, accounting for and issuing a wide range of military stores and equipment according to operational and logistical requirements. They are distinct from ammunition depots and do not handle bullets, bombs, shells, rockets, missiles or explosives, which move through a separate ammunition supply chain.
The Tribune reported, citing the September 22 EOI, that the modernization will include reconstruction of buildings with compact layouts, better use of available space, modern bulk and retail warehousing and equipment for moving heavy pallets and awkward loads. Standalone logistics modules are also proposed to be integrated to improve the management and movement of stores.
Security and safety form another part of the proposed overhaul. The EOI envisages surveillance, intrusion detection and access-control systems linked to an integrated command and control centre, along with fire monitoring, detection and suppression systems, upgraded electrical infrastructure, telecommunications and associated civil works.The Army has sought consultants to study each depot, map existing processes, assess present and future storage requirements and identify suitable storage and retrieval systems. The selected partner will also prepare budgetary estimates and a (detailed project report) DPR, with the EOI envisaging eventual turnkey execution through the procurement process.
The DPR exercise for all 12 depots is to be completed within 360 days. The timeline applies to the planning and assessment exercise, not the physical modernization of the depots, and will include process mapping, technical specifications and assessment of current and anticipated inventory requirements.
The design will also vary from depot to depot according to its role, equipment handled, location, environmental conditions and existing infrastructure. The approach is intended to tailor storage and logistics infrastructure to individual requirements rather than apply an identical template across all 12 facilities.
The project comes as the Army pursues a broader technology driven modernization programme. The Army has designated 2026 as the year of “Networking and Data Centricity”, while its senior leadership has identified modernization and technology infusion among its priorities for developing a future-ready force.
