SOURCE: AFI
The era of the formidable submarine INS Sindhudhvaj, which served the Indian Navy with distinction for 35 years, is drawing to a close. The Russian-built vessel, part of the Sindhughosh class based on the Kilo-class submarine, was decommissioned in 2022 and has now arrived at the Azhikkal shipbuilding and repair centre of Steel Industrials Kerala Limited (SILK) for dismantling.
This marks a significant milestone for SILK, as it is the first time a naval submarine is being dismantled in South India. The company, under the leadership of chairman Muhammad Iqbal and managing director T G Ullas Kumar, has secured the contract from Sithara Traders, a Visakhapatnam-based private firm that purchased the submarine.
SILK is expected to earn approximately Rs 4,525 per tonne for the dismantling process, offsetting the estimated cost of Rs 2,400 per tonne. This could potentially yield a profit of around Rs 50 lakh for the company. The project has already generated considerable interest, indicating promising future opportunities for SILK.
Beyond this undertaking, SILK is renowned for its production of Urus boats and steel structures for buildings, showcasing its diverse capabilities. As the dismantling of INS Sindhudhvaj progresses, it signifies not only the end of an era for the submarine but also the beginning of a new chapter for SILK as it ventures into this specialized domain.