- Centre approves strategic brownfield ship repair facility at Vadinar, Gujarat, in a joint venture between Deendayal Port Authority and Cochin Shipyard Limited.
- State-of-the-art infrastructure to include 650-metre jetty, twin floating dry docks, and advanced marine workshops—aimed at servicing vessels up to 300 metres.
- Project aligned with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal 2047 to boost employment, MSMEs, and reduce India’s dependence on foreign shipyards.
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
NEW DELHI, MAY 5
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday approved the development of a state-of-the-art Ship Repair Facility at Vadinar in Gujarat, marking a decisive push to strengthen India’s maritime infrastructure and domestic repair ecosystem.
The project, with a total investment of ₹1,570 crore, will be jointly executed by the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), positioning Vadinar as a key western-coast hub for large-scale ship repair operations.
Planned as a brownfield development, the facility will feature a 650-metre jetty, two large floating dry docks, modern workshops, and allied marine infrastructure. Its strategic location—supported by deep draft conditions and proximity to major ports such as Mundra and Kandla—makes it highly suitable for servicing both domestic and foreign-flagged vessels.
The initiative addresses a long-standing infrastructure gap in India’s maritime sector, as the country currently lacks adequate capacity to repair vessels exceeding 230 metres. The Vadinar facility will enable servicing of ships up to 300 metres in length, significantly reducing dependence on overseas shipyards and cutting foreign exchange outflow.
Beyond infrastructure development, the project is expected to catalyse regional economic activity by strengthening maritime ancillary industries and MSMEs. It will also generate employment, with an estimated 290 direct jobs and around 1,100 indirect employment opportunities across logistics, repair services, and supporting sectors.
Improved turnaround times and enhanced repair capabilities on India’s western coastline are expected to boost the competitiveness of Indian ports and reinforce the country’s position in global maritime trade.
Aligned with the government’s long-term vision under Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the Vadinar Ship Repair Facility is set to become a cornerstone in India’s drive toward maritime self-reliance and industrial expansion.
