Kolkata-based Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd announced on Sunday (April 19, 2026) that its wholly owned subsidiary Titagarh Naval Systems Ltd has successfully launched the fourth Diving Support Craft A23 (YARD 328) for the Indian Navy. According to reports from CNBC TV18, the vessel was side-launched into the Hooghly River at 1455 hrs during a ceremony attended by around 150 employees. The launch and naming ceremony was performed by Deepa Sivakumar, wife of Vice Admiral B Sivakumar. The company has also announced the launch on LinkedIn, expressing pride in advancing the Make in India vision through this modern catamaran-type vessel with advanced indigenous systems.
As reported by CNBC TV18, the Diving Support Crafts are designed as catamaran-type vessels and are equipped with indigenously sourced systems to support the Navy's Command Clearance Diving Teams. The crafts will be deployed for underwater operations, including inspection, repair, maintenance and salvage activities in harbour and near-shore environments. In addition to operational deployment, the DSCs will serve as training platforms for the Navy's diving personnel, supporting capability development and readiness. The modern engineering approach ensures the crafts are engineered as a modern catamaran-type vessel with advanced indigenous systems, supporting critical underwater operations and strengthening the Navy's operational readiness.
Following a strategic restructuring, Titagarh Naval Systems Limited has emerged as the dedicated arm for maritime growth. The company is currently developing a state-of-the-art shipyard at Falta, West Bengal, spread across approximately 50 acres. This new facility is designed to handle ships up to 180 meters in length and boasts an annual capacity of 12-16 vessels. With an order book exceeding ₹500 crore, the company continues to leverage its technical expertise to drive self-reliance in the maritime sector. The ongoing project for the Indian Navy highlights the company's commitment to national defense infrastructure, with these vessels serving as critical training platforms for the Navy's diving personnel.
Vice Admiral B Sivakumar, AVSM, VSM, COM, Indian Navy, expressed appreciation for the launch as a key milestone reflecting dedicated teamwork, engineering excellence, and India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. As reported by CNBC TV18, he noted that the 30-metre catamaran will enhance diving and underwater operations in coastal waters. The Admiral appreciated the strong collaboration between the Indian Navy, the shipyard, and industry partners, expressing confidence that such indigenous efforts will further strengthen India's maritime power. The company has also acknowledged the Admiral's presence at the launch ceremony, with Titagarh extending sincere thanks to Vice Admiral B Sivakumar and his wife for gracing the occasion and making the launch truly special.
According to CNBC TV18, shares of Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd ended at ₹742.00 on Friday (April 17), gaining ₹4.80 or 0.65% on the BSE. The positive market response reflects investor confidence in the company's defence manufacturing capabilities and strategic partnerships with the Indian Navy. The company has also received congratulatory messages from industry partners, with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and Government of Uttar Pradesh expressing appreciation for the launch and congratulating the Titagarh team. By aligning with Industry 4.0 standards and advanced automation, Titagarh is strengthening its position as a trusted partner in the maritime ecosystem, contributing significantly to India's long-term maritime excellence and the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
