Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) has reached a milestone in Indian naval history by launching the first Diving Support Crafts (DSCs) from its shipyard in Titagarh, West Bengal. Awarded the contract for five DSCs by the Indian Navy in February 2021, TRSL now holds the unique distinction of being the first and only private shipyard in West Bengal to build a warship for the Indian Navy. This technological marvel will join the ranks of the Indian Navy’s Southern Naval Command Clearance Diving Teams (CCDT) to facilitate underwater repair and salvage operations.

Cutting-edge Diving Support Crafts Align with ‘Make in India’ Initiative

These state-of-the-art DSCs are not just robust platforms for underwater activities; they’re also a testament to the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ policy. Equipped with revolutionary diving apparatus and other advanced features, all main and auxiliary machinery is sourced from indigenous manufacturers. TRSL aims to sustain this momentum and deliver the remaining four DSCs as per the contracted schedule, fortifying its reputation as a leading player in naval vessel manufacturing.

Leadership Remarks on the DSC Launch and Indigenous Manufacturing

Umesh Chowdhary, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, expressed enthusiasm over this significant launch. “We’re extremely delighted to hand over the first DSC to the Indian Navy,” he said. According to Vice Admiral Sanjay Mahindru of the Indian Navy, the DSCs are expected to be a game-changer for the navy’s diving operations and a pivotal part of India’s ‘Make for the World’ initiative.

DSCs to Serve Multi-functional Roles in Indian Navy

The DSCs will be a significant asset for the Indian Navy’s Southern Naval Command Clearance Diving Teams, serving both operational and training purposes. These crafts will mainly provide support for ships docked at various harbors but will also serve as an optimal platform for training the Indian Navy’s diving cadre.

Implications for India’s Self-Reliance in Maritime Operations

The successful launch of the DSC highlights the Indian Navy’s progress toward maritime self-reliance. In collaboration with TRSL’s shipbuilding expertise, the DSCs will stand as a flag-bearer for the government’s ‘Make for the World’ initiative, positioning India as a global manufacturing hub in maritime and military domains.

With its focus on indigenous manufacturing and fulfilling the operational gaps in the Indian Navy, TRSL is paving the way for India’s maritime self-reliance. This landmark launch underscores the private sector’s role in strengthening India’s naval capabilities, marking a significant step in the nation’s maritime self-sufficiency journey.

  India, Indian Navy, Sanjay Mahindru, Titagarh, Titagarh Rail Systems, Umesh Chowdhary, West Bengal