CCEA okays Rs 1,570 crore Vadinar Ship Repair Facility to cut reliance on foreign yards

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Tuesday approved the development of a state-of-the-art ship repair facility at Vadinar in Gujarat, aimed at expanding India’s maritime infrastructure and reducing dependence on overseas shipyards, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said after the meeting.

‎Briefing reporters, Vaishnaw said the project will be jointly implemented by the Deendayal Port Authority and Cochin Shipyard Limited with a total investment of Rs 1,570 crore.

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“This facility will significantly strengthen India’s ship repair ecosystem and improve the competitiveness of our ports,” he said.

‎The Vadinar facility, planned as a brownfield project, will include a 650-metre jetty, two large floating dry docks, workshops, and supporting marine infrastructure.

According to a government statement, the site’s natural deep draft, strong connectivity to global shipping routes, and proximity to key ports such as Mundra Port and Kandla Port make it a strategic hub for handling large commercial and foreign-flagged vessels.

‎The project is expected to address a key gap in India’s ship repair capacity, as existing facilities are limited in handling vessels longer than 230 metres. The new infrastructure will enable repairs of ships up to 300 metres, allowing high-value maintenance work to be undertaken domestically and helping reduce foreign exchange outflows.

‎Officials said enhanced repair capabilities and faster turnaround times on the western coast will improve efficiency and attractiveness of Indian ports. The project is also projected to generate employment, with around 290 direct jobs and nearly 1,100 indirect opportunities across ship repair, logistics, and ancillary sectors.

‎In addition to infrastructure development, the initiative is expected to boost skill development and support the growth of maritime ancillary services and MSMEs in the region, contributing to wider economic activity.

‎The project aligns with the government’s long-term maritime strategies, including Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aim to position India as a global maritime hub. Officials said the Vadinar facility will play a key role in strengthening the country’s maritime ecosystem while driving regional economic growth.