Eight mega clusters set to propel local shipbuilding

Govt has finalised locations with pre-secured land parcels and clearances

- Subhash Narayan

India is working to dramatically expand its domestic shipbuilding capabilities, with plans to establish eight such clusters along its expansive coastline.

While five of these facilities will be built from the ground up, the rest three will involve expansion of existing facilities. The government has finalized the locations with pre-secured land parcels and necessary clearances, Union shipping secretary T.K. Ramachandran said. The mega-initiative, a cornerstone of the nation's Atmanirbhar Bharat drive, aims to transform India into a global shipbuilding powerhouse.

States have made rapid progress in developing maritime clusters, Ramachandran said in an interview. “All state governments have formed special purpose vehicles to implement the project with approved and identified land parcels and access network connecting the clusters with roads and railway infrastructure. Seaside infrastructure is being developed along with breakwater facilities,” he said.