Gandhinagar/New Delhi, May 6 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has described the proposed ship repair facility at Vadinar town in Devbhumi Dwarka district as a “transformative project” that would strengthen India’s maritime capabilities and drive economic growth in the state, following its approval by the Union Cabinet.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Patel on Tuesday said, “Gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving the development of a world-class Ship Repair Facility at Vadinar in Gujarat.”

He added, “This transformative project will strengthen India’s maritime capabilities by enabling high-value ship repairs within the country, reducing dependence on foreign facilities, and enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of our ports.”

Highlighting the state-level impact, Chief Minister Patel said, “For Gujarat, it will be a major catalyst for economic growth as it will generate employment, boosting MSMEs and ancillary industries, and further reinforcing the state’s position as a leading maritime and logistics hub, while contributing significantly to India’s long-term maritime objectives under Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.”

In a post on X, PM Modi had said, “The Cabinet approval for a world-class Ship Repair Facility at Vadinar, Gujarat marks an important step in strengthening India’s maritime capabilities.”

He added, “It will enhance our ability to service large vessels, generate employment, boost ancillary industries and improve the competitiveness of our ports.”

The Prime Minister also said, “This project will contribute to building a robust, future-ready maritime ecosystem and accelerate growth in the blue economy.”

According to an official statement, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, approved the development of the facility with a total investment of Rs 1,570 crore.

The project will be jointly implemented by Deendayal Port Authority and Cochin Shipyard Limited.

The facility is planned as a brownfield development and will include a 650-metre jetty, two large floating dry docks, workshops and associated marine infrastructure.

Officials said Vadinar’s natural deep draft, connectivity to major shipping routes, and proximity to key ports such as Mundra and Kandla make it an optimal location for repair operations, particularly for large commercial and foreign-flagged vessels.

The project is expected to address a critical gap in India’s ship repair infrastructure, as the country currently lacks adequate domestic capacity to repair large vessels exceeding 230 metres in length.

By enabling repairs of vessels up to 300 metres, the facility will allow high-value ship repairs to be carried out within India, significantly reducing dependence on foreign shipyards and curbing foreign exchange outflow.

Officials said the project would also create opportunities for skill development and generate employment, with an estimated 290 direct jobs and around 1,100 indirect jobs across ship repair, logistics and ancillary industries.

Enhanced turnaround times and strengthened repair capability on the western coast are expected to improve the overall competitiveness of Indian ports.

The state government said the initiative would support regional economic growth, while helping build a more competitive and self-reliant maritime sector.

–IANS

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