Indian Navy commissions Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility Vinetra in Visakhapatnam

The Kalvari  Submarine Escape Training Facility (Vinetra) was commissioned on Friday 13 Sep by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, at INS Satavahana, Visakhapatnam, navy said here on Saturday.

Giving details, officials said the the facility aims to enhance the escape capabilities of crew from a distressed Kalvari-class submarine  and has been indigenously designed and developed.

Constructed by M/s L&T Defence as a turnkey project, the Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility is equipped with a five-meter escape tower integrated with an adjacent diving basin.

This state-of-the-art facility will be utilized for imparting both basic and refresher escape training to the crew of Kalvari-class submarines, ensuring that they are proficient in escape procedures in the event of a submarine distress situation.

The facility “Vinetra’ meaning “Trainer” represents a significant step forward in building confidence among submariners, ensuring that they are equipped with the skills and training necessary to escape in case of any underwater emergency. This training facility also reinforces the operational readiness, safety protocols and training infrastructure of the Indian Navy.