Structurally, the INS Shivalik displaces at 6,800 short tons and features a running length of 468 feet, a beam of 55 feet and a draught of 15 feet. She is crewed by 257 personnel of which 35 represent officers. The forecastle is relatively clear of obstructions while the deck gun precedes all other structures in the line. A Vertical Launch Missile (VLS) cell is located aft of the deck gun while the bridge is mounted atop the forward portion of the superstructure. A mast is fitted at amidships in the usual manner and there is a smoke funnel aft of amidships. Another mast is noted aft of the funnel. The hangar completes the superstructure to which a helicopter flight deck is set over the stern. The stern of the INS Shivalik can launch and retrieve medium-class naval helicopters - either transports or Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) types or similar. Typically these are Westland "Sea King" types though, more recently, HAL Dhruvs have been identified. The INS Shivalik can support two such helicopters.
As referenced earlier, the INS Shivalik relies on a "CODOG" (COmbined Diesel Or Gas) propulsion arrangement where there are 2 x Pielstick 16 PA6 STC diesel engines (outputting at 15,200 shaft horsepower) coupled to 2 x General Electric LM2500+ gas turbines (outputting at 33,600 shaft horsepower). The CODOG arrangement mates the power of both engine types through use of reduction gearboxes and a series of clutches while driving the twin propeller shafts in a more efficient manner. Diesels can be used for basic cruising while the gas turbine can be brought into play for bursts of high speed. This, therefore, provides the Shivalik with a maximum speed of 32 knots on full and 22 knots on just diesel power.
In keeping with modern naval development, the INS Shivalik takes careful consideration of "stealth" features throughout her design. Spans of hand rails are purposefully limited and all major side profile panels along the superstructure are well-contoured into the hull sides. Masts are of the enclosed pyramidal type and the smoke funnels are enclosed low profile projections.
The INS Shivalik took part in "JIMEX 2012" (Japan-India Maritime EXercise) which saw a small collection of Indian Navy warships work in conjunction with a small collection of Japanese warships (no doubt planning against any future Chinese aggression). A visit by the INS Shivalik to Tokyo was included. In June of 2012, she berthed at Shanghai and undertook a minor exercise with Chinese Naval forces in the South China Sea. After a few goodwill stops across Southeast Asia, the INS Shivalik returned to Indian waters.
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