Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) has launched the third indigenously built Diving Support Craft (DSC) for the Indian Navy, marking a major milestone in its shipbuilding journey. The vessel, part of a series of five DSCs being built under the Ministry of Defence’s Make in India initiative, was launched into the Hooghly River at 16:10 hrs. The ceremony was led by Kangana Berry, wife of Vice Admiral Suraj Berry, AVSM, NM, VSM, Commander-in-Chief, who performed the traditional naming and launch.
The catamaran-type Diving Support Crafts are equipped with advanced, locally sourced technology to support the Indian Navy’s Command Clearance Diving Teams (CCDTs) in critical operations such as underwater repair, maintenance, and salvage of ships in and around harbours. They will also serve as advanced training platforms, enhancing the Navy’s diving cadre and operational readiness.
Speaking on the occasion, Umesh Chowdhary, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of TRSL, emphasized that the launch underscores Titagarh’s growing capabilities in naval shipbuilding and its commitment to strengthening the Navy’s underwater operational assets.
With the successful launch of the third DSC, TRSL’s Shipbuilding and Maritime Systems (SMS) Division has reaffirmed its expertise in delivering complex, high-precision vessels for the armed forces. The company has previously delivered more than 35 advanced vessels, including Coastal Research Vessels for the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), the Indian Navy, the Coast Guard, and notable projects such as ICGS Kamla Devi (FPV) and the MV Ma Lisha (Cargo RoPax) for Guyana.
To further expand its maritime footprint, TRSL is establishing a new subsidiary—Titagarh Naval Systems (subject to approvals)—to which its shipbuilding and maritime business will be transferred. This new entity, with an order book exceeding ₹575 crore, will operate from a state-of-the-art shipyard at Falta, south of Kolkata.
Designed to handle vessels up to 180 meters with an annual capacity of 12–16 ships, the facility is equipped with advanced automation aligned with Industry 4.0 standards. The creation of Titagarh Naval Systems will allow TRSL to sharpen its focus on its core rail systems business while enabling the new company to accelerate growth in shipbuilding, pursue specialized vessel contracts, and actively collaborate with partners under India’s maritime development initiatives.
