Titagarh Rail Systems launches second indigenous diving support craft for Indian Navy

In a significant boost to India’s naval defense capabilities, Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), formerly known as Titagarh Wagons Limited, launched the second indigenous Diving Support Craft (DSC) at its facility in Titagarh, Barrackpore. The ceremonial launch took place in the early hours of this morning and was attended by Mrs. Laila Swaminathan, alongside her husband Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, AVSM, VSM, Chief of Personnel of the Indian Navy.

Strategic Launch Aligning with Tidal Movements

The DSC was strategically launched at 02:30 AM at the Titagarh Shipyard, taking advantage of favorable tidal conditions for seamless water deployment. These specialized crafts are catamaran-type vessels equipped with essential main and auxiliary tools, all sourced indigenously. This launch is a part of TRSL’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative by the Ministry of Defence, under which the company is constructing five such DSCs for the Indian Navy. The first of these was previously launched in August 2023.

Mission Capabilities and Indigenous Contribution

Fitted with the latest diving equipment, the newly launched DSCs are set to fulfill the mission requirements of Command Clearance Diving Teams (CCDTs). These teams play a crucial role in offering diving assistance for underwater repair, maintenance, and salvage operations for ships within and near harbors. Additionally, these ships will act as primary platforms for the training of the Indian Navy’s diving cadre.

Umesh Chowdhary, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of TRSL, expressed pride in contributing to the Indian Navy’s critical need for state-of-the-art, indigenously produced diving crafts. He emphasized the company’s continued commitment to enhancing India’s defense capabilities through indigenous production. The addition of these DSCs to the Indian Navy’s fleet symbolizes a significant step in bolstering India’s maritime defense and self-reliance in defense manufacturing.