KOLKATA: President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the INS 'Vindhyagiri' in Kolkata, marking the successful launch of the sixth ship developed under the 'Project 17 Alpha' initiative by the Indian Navy. The event took place at the facilities of Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) on the banks of the Hooghly river. The name 'Vindhyagiri' pays homage to the mountain range in Karnataka.

During her visit to Kolkata, President Murmu was warmly welcomed by West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also graced the occasion on board the INS 'Vindhyagiri' during its launch.

The INS 'Vindhyagiri' stands as an advanced stealth frigate, exemplifying the progress of naval technology. This remarkable vessel is the sixth installment out of seven planned ships under the 'Project 17 Alpha' program, which has been a collaborative effort to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Navy. The preceding five ships were unveiled between the years 2019 and 2022.

Significantly, this marks the final stealth frigate crafted by the Kolkata-based shipbuilder for the Navy as part of this project. Notably, around 75 percent of the equipment and systems for the P17A ships have been sourced from indigenous enterprises, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The INS 'Vindhyagiri' boasts cutting-edge technology and will undergo rigorous testing prior to its formal induction into the Indian Navy's service. These warships are a continuation of the Project 17 Class Frigates (Shivalik Class), showcasing advancements in stealth capabilities, weapon systems, sensors, and platform management.

Each of the P17A ships is a guided missile frigate, spanning 149 meters in length, displacing around 6,670 tonnes, and capable of achieving a speed of 28 knots, according to GRSE officials. These vessels hold the ability to counter threats across air, surface, and sub-surface domains.

Earlier in the day, the president initiated the 'My Bengal, Addiction Free Bengal' campaign under the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' organized by Brahma Kumaris at the Raj Bhavan.

This marks President Murmu's second visit to West Bengal since assuming office as the president in the previous year. Her first visit to the state occurred in March. Security was notably heightened across the city to accommodate the president's visit, with traffic management implemented on various routes, as per official reports.

President Murmu to launch 'INS Vindhyagiri' in Kolkata today,