Indian Navy Commissions Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility “Vinetra” at Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam: To boost India’s submarine operational capabilities, the Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility, named “Vinetra,” was commissioned today at INS Satavahana in Visakhapatnam by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. The state-of-the-art facility has been indigenously designed and developed as part of the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, emphasizing self-reliance in defense infrastructure.

The Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility, constructed by M/s L&T Defence as a turnkey project, is equipped with a five-meter escape tower and an adjacent diving basin, making it a cutting-edge resource for escape training. The facility aims to enhance the escape capabilities of crew members serving aboard Kalvari-class submarines, ensuring that they are well-prepared to handle emergencies and escape from distressed submarines when necessary.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Vice Admiral Pendharkar highlighted the importance of operational readiness and safety protocols within the Navy, and the key role that Vinetra will play in training submariners in essential escape procedures. He noted that this facility not only enhances crew confidence but also aligns with the Navy’s commitment to world-class safety standards.

The facility will be used to provide basic and refresher training to Kalvari-class submarine crews, ensuring that they are proficient in escape procedures. The name “Vinetra,” meaning “Trainer” in Sanskrit, symbolizes the Navy’s focus on fostering preparedness and expertise among its personnel.