The Indian Navy has chosen Telangana as a key base for setting up a second VLF (Very Low Frequency) communication transmission station. This station will be used to communicate with ships and submarines. It will be located in the Damagudem forest area near Puduru in Vikarabad district.
The first VLF station, called INS Kattabomman Radar Station, was established in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu in 1990. The Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam has identified Telangana as a suitable area for the second radar station. However, the project faced delays due to negligence from the previous government.
Thanks to the efforts of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, all obstacles to the project have been removed. The necessary permits and clearances have been obtained, and the land has been allotted. An agreement for the transfer of forest lands has been signed between the Vikarabad DFO and Naval Command Agency. The Navy has received funds for land conservation measures.
Despite a petition filed by Damagudem Forest Protection in court, the project will proceed with precautions according to government conditions. Along with the navy station, a township will be developed with schools, hospitals, banks, and markets. The naval unit will consist of around 600 naval personnel and other civilians. Measures will be taken to preserve biodiversity and ecological balance in the region.
As part of the project, a 27 km road will be constructed around Damagundam Reserve Forest. The new VLF centre is expected to be completed in 2027.
