Date:22/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/22/stories/2008082259400300.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Army men train on Vellayani Lake

Special Correspondent

Photo: S. Gopakumar

Floating battlefield: Jawans of the 16 Madras regiment atop a ramp during a training exercise on Vellayani Lake in the city on Thursday.

Thiruvananthapuram: Residents in the vicinity of Vellayani Lake could witness the military in action on Thursday when jawans of the 16 Madras regiment carried out a training exercise on the lake.

A floating ramp named the Boat Assault Floating Heavy (BAFH) vehicle and an armoured vehicle were pressed into service for the exercise which involved jawans and officers from the Pangode military station here.

Floating on pontoons, the raft is capable of carrying heavy equipment including an armoured personnel carrier or a tank.

It is propelled by three engines of 30 HP each.

A military spokesman said the floating ramp was designed for use as an assault vehicle as well as for flood relief operations in peace time. It was transported through Kakkamoola in parts and assembled at the site. With men and materials on board, it went out into the lake.

Local people gathered to witness the event. Children from a school in the neighbourhood were also brought to the site.