The primary role of the vessels would be to conduct coastal and deep-water hydrographic survey of ports, navigational channels, Exclusive Economic Zones and collection of oceanographic data for defence.

Their secondary role would be to perform search & rescue, ocean research and function as hospital ships for casualties.

[1][2][3][4] In April 2016, the Indian Navy issued a request for proposal to six shipyards, four public and two private, for the construction of four large survey vessels.

[1][2][5] The ships have a displacement of 3,300 tonnes (3,248 long tons) and a length of 110 metres (360 ft 11 in).

In addition, the vessels will follow MARPOL (marine pollution) Standards of the International Maritime Organisation and will be built per Classification Society Rules and Naval Ship Regulations.