Cochin Shipyard and DPA Kandla to Build ₹1,570 Crore Ship Repair Facility in Gujarat
GANDHIDHAM : The Government of India has approved the development of a state-of-the-art ship repair facility at Vadinar in Gujarat. The project marks a significant expansion of India’s maritime infrastructure and aims to reduce dependence on foreign shipyards for large vessel repairs.
The approval was granted by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister. The project will be jointly implemented by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Project Investment and Structure
The total investment for the project is ₹1,570 crore. The cost allocation is divided as follows:
₹650 crore by Deendayal Port Authority for development of civil infrastructure, including jetties
₹920 crore by Cochin Shipyard Limited for ship repair infrastructure, including two large floating dry docks
The facility is expected to be completed within 36 months from the start of execution.
Location Advantage
The ship repair facility will be developed at Vadinar, Gujarat, a strategic coastal location with deep draft conditions and strong connectivity to major shipping routes. The site is also close to major ports including Mundra and Kandla, making it suitable for handling large commercial vessels and international shipping traffic.
Capacity Expansion
The new facility will significantly enhance India’s ship repair capability.
Existing capability of Cochin Shipyard Limited: up to 250 metres vessel length
New facility capability: up to 300 metres vessel length
Includes jetty infrastructure, workshops, and floating dry docks
This expansion will allow India to repair larger vessels domestically, which currently often rely on overseas shipyards.
Economic and Industrial Impact
The project is expected to deliver several economic benefits, including:
Reduction in foreign exchange outflow due to overseas repairs
Improved turnaround time for vessel maintenance
Strengthening of India’s maritime supply chain
Growth of ancillary industries and MSMEs
It is estimated to generate approximately 290 direct jobs and 1,100 indirect jobs in ship repair, logistics, and related sectors.
Strategic Importance
The facility aligns with India’s long-term maritime development plans, including Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. It is expected to strengthen India’s position as a regional maritime services hub and improve competitiveness of Indian ports.
Conclusion
The Vadinar ship repair facility represents a major step forward in India’s maritime infrastructure development. With a strong focus on capacity expansion, industrial growth, and strategic self-reliance, the project is set to play a key role in shaping the country’s shipping ecosystem over the coming decades.
