The Indian Navy’s warship INS Brahmaputra, which suffered extensive damage due to a significant fire incident in July 2024 while docked at the Mumbai naval dockyard, is now set for comprehensive repairs to restore its operational capabilities. The incident left the vessel incapacitated, and it has remained out of service since the fire occurred.
On the occasion of Navy Day, Vice Admiral Sanjay J. Singh, the head of the Western Naval Command, provided updates on the warship’s status during a media briefing. He confirmed that the Navy has completed a thorough damage assessment and has developed a restoration plan for the affected warship.
Vice Admiral Singh expressed optimism regarding the warship’s future, highlighting the emblematic logo of a “raging rhino” that represents the ship. He noted, “Even on the day of the accident, we said that the raging rhino will rise again and lead the charge in the years to come.” He elaborated on the restoration progress, mentioning that the first step towards recovery was achieved when the ship was uprighted on November 2. Subsequently, the ensigns were hoisted on November 4, and a color guard was paraded. By November 8, the warship was placed in dry dock for an initial assessment, paving the way for the ongoing restoration plans.
The Vice Admiral expressed confidence that INS Brahmaputra, with its storied legacy, has many more years of service left to offer the country. He emphasized that the restoration work is actively progressing, reassuring that the “raging rhino will be back at sea.”
The briefing also touched upon a recent incident involving another naval vessel—the INS Karanj. The submarine was involved in a collision with a fishing boat, FV Marthoma, off the Goa coast, resulting in the unfortunate loss of two lives. Despite the collision causing damage to the submarine, Vice Admiral Singh stated that it remains operational. An inquiry into this incident has been initiated by the Navy.
Additionally, the Vice Admiral provided insight into upcoming developments within the naval fleet, announcing that three warships—INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Tushil—as well as the submarine INS Vagsheer, are expected to be commissioned in the upcoming month, further enhancing the Navy’s capabilities and readiness.
