The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of a modern Ship Repair Facility at Vadinar, reinforcing India’s maritime infrastructure and strengthening domestic repair capabilities. The project will be jointly executed by Deendayal Port Authority and Cochin Shipyard Limited, with a total investment of ₹1,570 crore. Planned as a brownfield development, the facility will include a 650-metre jetty, two large floating dry docks, advanced workshops, and supporting marine infrastructure designed to handle complex repair operations.
Vadinar has been selected due to its natural deep draft and strategic positioning along major international shipping routes. Its proximity to key ports such as Mundra and Kandla further enhances its suitability as a hub for ship repair, particularly for large commercial vessels and foreign-flagged ships.
The facility is expected to address a longstanding gap in India’s ship repair ecosystem. At present, the country has limited capacity to service large vessels exceeding 230 metres in length. The new infrastructure will enable repairs for ships up to 300 metres, allowing high-value maintenance work to be carried out domestically. This shift is expected to reduce reliance on overseas shipyards and help retain foreign exchange within the country.
In addition to strengthening operational capacity, the project is set to improve turnaround times and enhance the competitiveness of ports along India’s western coast. By expanding repair capabilities, it will support smoother maritime operations and attract more global shipping traffic.
The development is also expected to generate significant economic benefits. It is projected to create approximately 290 direct jobs and around 1,100 indirect employment opportunities across ship repair, logistics, and related sectors. The project will also stimulate the growth of ancillary industries and micro, small, and medium enterprises in the surrounding region, contributing to a broader maritime industrial ecosystem.
Furthermore, the initiative aligns with national maritime strategies, including Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime AmritKaal Vision 2047. By strengthening domestic capabilities and promoting regional development, the Vadinar Ship Repair Facility is expected to play a key role in advancing India’s long-term maritime ambitions.
