Image Credits - The Statesman
Union Minister of Ports, shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said India is to enhance its shipbuilding and repair capacities through the establishment of specialized clusters in five states. Specifically, these are going to be in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, and they are targeted to enhance the country’s maritime infrastructure towards the aim of a $5 trillion economy.
Besides contributing to self-sufficiency and the country’s ability to build and repair vessels, Sonowal said that these clusters would greatly help push the maritime sector of India. This strategic endeavour, it believes, will eventually bring profit to the nation’s maritime sector. With much employment being generated, he said the investment would be encouraged and technology transfer eased. The government will try to move the “Make in India” campaign ahead with these initiatives by encouraging domestic manufacturing and reducing imports.
The project is in line with Maritime India Vision 2030, which mainly aims to elevate India into a global maritime hub as well as heighten the competitiveness of the country in the marine industry. To achieve a shorter turnaround time and minimize downtime for ships needing to be overhauled, the shipbuilding and repair clusters shall be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including modern dry docks and repair facilities of varying sizes.
A single window clearance from the government for these clusters is planned to accelerate the regulatory approval process and attract much more investment. A huge priority will be given to incorporating environmentally friendly practices and green technologies to foster sustainable growth in the maritime industries.
These developments are part of a greater pursuit of finding the wide possibilities at India’s extensive coastline and taking one step forward to further cement India’s stake in the international shipping industry. These clusters, estimated to cost more than INR 10,000 crore, will increase India’s shipbuilding capacity largely and result in an advantage for changing the market dynamics globally in favour of India.