The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has granted in-principle approval to two strategic maritime infrastructure projects under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS), marking a significant step in India's ambition to become a global shipbuilding hub.
The first project involves establishing a Greenfield shipbuilding cluster in Porbandar district, Gujarat, to be developed through the National Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries Park–Gujarat (NSHIP-Gujarat), a Special Purpose Vehicle jointly promoted by the Ministry and Gujarat Maritime Board. Spread across nearly 2,000 acres at Kuchhadi, the integrated maritime manufacturing cluster will comprise modern shipyards, ancillary manufacturing units, common infrastructure, and capability development centers. The project is designed to build large commercial vessels with an annual production capacity of 1.2 to 1.5 million gross tonnage (GT), significantly expanding India's domestic shipbuilding capacity.
The second project is a ₹1,570-crore ship repair facility at Vadinar in the Gulf of Kutch, to be jointly developed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. and Deendayal Port Authority. The project had previously received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on May 5, 2026, and has now secured in-principle approval under SbDS 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. Leveraging Vadinar's natural deep draft and strategic location along major international shipping routes, the facility will enable domestic repair of vessels measuring up to 300 metres in length, substantially reducing dependence on overseas repair yards for large commercial vessels.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated that these projects reflect the government's vision under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to create a modern, efficient, and globally competitive Indian shipbuilding and ship repair industry. The projects are expected to generate substantial employment, deepen India's maritime manufacturing ecosystem, strengthen domestic supply chains, and enhance the country's competitiveness as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat initiatives.