Sunday July 26, 2009, 8:15 am
India's first indigenously built nuclear-powered submarine launched on Sunday will take much longer than the projected two years to become operational, according to naval experts, who say the real big test now is to ensure that the on-board reactor attains criticality.

Noting there is still lots left to do, the experts said scientists had a onerous task to see that the on-board nuclear reactor-the heart of the submarine-attains criticality without any hitches.

Naval officials said INS Arihant (Destroyer of Enemies) codenamed Advanced Technology Vessel(ATV) will undergo two years of sea trials in the Bay of Bengal after which they hope to see the submarine commissioned for full service.

"It is little optimistic only for one reasons because it the first of its class. In the first of the class there are a large number of checks to be carried out.