The Centre has granted in-principle approval to two major maritime infrastructure projects as part of its plan to position India among the world's leading shipbuilding hubs. According to reports from Mint, Business Standard, and PTI, the approvals were granted under the ₹20,000-crore Shipbuilding Development Scheme, a key component of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 aimed at expanding India's shipbuilding and repair capabilities. As per the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), these approvals are part of the government's broader strategy to strengthen indigenous shipbuilding and ship repair capabilities, promote investments and enhance India's competitiveness in the global maritime sector.
The first project approved is a greenfield shipbuilding cluster on the western coast with an annual capacity of 1.2-1.5 million gross tonnage. According to the latest MoPSW statement, the 2,000-acre cluster at Kuchhadi in Porbandar district will be developed through the National Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries Park-Gujarat (NSHIP-Gujarat), a special purpose vehicle jointly promoted by the Ministry and the Gujarat Maritime Board. This facility is designed to significantly expand India's domestic shipbuilding capacity and build large commercial vessels, positioning Gujarat as a major hub for heavy-tonnage vessel construction. The integrated maritime manufacturing cluster will house modern shipyards, ancillary manufacturing units, common infrastructure and capability development centres.
The second project approved is a ₹1,570-crore ship repair facility at Vadinar, to be jointly developed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA). According to Mint, Business Standard, and PTI, the project had earlier received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on May 5, 2026, and has now secured in-principle approval under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme for 25% financial assistance on eligible capital infrastructure. The brownfield expansion will include a 650-metre jetty, two large floating dry docks, workshops and supporting marine infrastructure. Once operational, it will be capable of repairing commercial vessels of up to 300 metres in length, substantially expanding India's ship repair capacity while reducing dependence on overseas repair yards for large commercial vessels.
Leveraging Vadinar's natural deep draft, strategic location along major international shipping routes and proximity to ports such as Mundra and Deendayal Port, the facility is expected to emerge as one of India's premier ship repair hubs. As reported by Business Standard, the facility's location in the Gulf of Kutch provides strategic advantages for maritime operations. Once operational, it will enable the domestic repair of vessels measuring up to 300 metres in length, substantially expanding India's ship repair capacity while reducing dependence on overseas repair yards for large commercial vessels.
Union ports, shipping and waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized that the two projects will significantly enhance the competitiveness of India's maritime sector. According to Business Standard, the minister stated that the next phase is to unlock the full potential of India's maritime industry through minimum governance, enhanced competitiveness and greater efficiency so that the sector becomes a key driver of Viksit Bharat. As per the latest MoPSW statement, Sonowal highlighted that the country's maritime sector has undergone a historic transformation over the past 12 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi through landmark reforms, world-class infrastructure and policy support. The minister noted that these projects reflect the vision of PM Modi towards empowering India's maritime ecosystem and advancing the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat, while generating substantial employment and deepening the maritime manufacturing ecosystem.
